The wedding of afrobeat sensation Davido to his heatrob, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday has sparked widespread reactions.
The wedding attracted prominent Nigerians, including celebrities across the country.
According to the norms, customs, and tradition of Igbos, traditional marriages are held in the family home of the woman. Thus, the event should have taken place at Chioma’s family home in Nkwerre LGA, Imo State
.A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Anambra-born Lagos-based Jeo Igbokwe, attributed insecurity in the South East as the reason why the wedding did not take place in the region.
Igbokwe, via his Facebook post on Wednesday, said the colorful wedding would have been held in Imo had it been peaceful.
He blamed the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and unknown gunmen for heightened insecurity in the region.
Aside from Igbokwe, some netizens described the event as not in consonance with the age-long tradition of Igbos concerning traditional marraiges.
In response to these claims, Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Special Adviser on Public Communications, Jones Onwusoanya, said contrary to speculations, the ceremony was not held in Imo State due to insecurity but rather due to logistical reasons.
He clarified that the state is safe and secure.
Jones emphasized that the marriage ceremony could have been held in Imo State without any security breaches, citing recent successful events held in the state, including a film festival and high-profile weddings.
“The payment of the dowry and traditional rites are the most important aspects of a marriage ceremony, not the venue” Mr. Jones said in his post on Facebook on Wednesday morning.
He stated that Davido’s decision to hold the ceremony in Lagos should not be politicized or misrepresented, as it is a personal choice and a cultural trend that has been evolving for over a decade.
‘Imo State is safe and secure under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, with a significant reduction in crime and criminal elements forced to relocate”
“The state is open for business and tourism, with many foreign companies and organizations investing in the state’s economic opportunities,” Mr. Jones stated.
