If I Were Arinze & Adaora, I Would Have Held My Wedding On The Moon

IZUCHUKWU ADICHIE 

Imagine if I were Arinze and Adaora, the newlyweds. I would have held a grand white wedding in the city of Dubai, UAE, followed by an extraordinary reception in the most exclusive venue, right there on the moon. This would come after they had their traditional marriage ceremony (Igbankwu) in Isuofia, the hometown of the bride’s father —Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo. Last weekend, dignitaries, family, and friends joined in the celebrations with dance and a joyous funfair, paying homage to custom and tradition.

Now, a few persons have questioned the decision to hold a wedding in Abuja, the nation’s capital. But weddings are not like burials or traditional Igbankwu marriages, which must be held in one’s hometown. As a wedding, it is the right of the young couple to choose the location for both the wedding and the honeymoon. We wouldn’t question why they’re not having their honeymoon in Onitsha, would we?

Given Soludo’s son-in-law status, it would have been expected that the young couple would transport their families, friends, and associates off to select destinations abroad, perhaps for a grand affair in Dubai. But this successful and patriotic couple chose, instead, to keep the festivities local, allowing fellow Nigerians to be part of their joy and unity as they embarked on their marital journey.

The decision on the wedding location lies with the couple, not the bride’s family. Indeed, there is no law preventing anyone from taking their wedding to the moon.