My Experience at Emilet’s Aunty’s Traditional Marriage in Ikot Ufen, Afaha Obong, Akwa Ibom State

My friend Emilet invited me to his aunty’s traditional marriage in his village, Ikot Ufen, Afaha Obong, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He told me where to stand and which bus to take. There was supposed to be a free bus arranged for guests at a certain junction.But when I got to their house to board the bus, there was no bus waiting.

Emilet’s uncle had to pay for a bike to take us to the village. So, Emilet and I rode the bike and finally got to the village.When we arrived, there was no food or drink to welcome us because everyone was busy preparing for the marriage. We had to wait patiently since we came early, around 10 a.m., and the marriage was to start at 4 p.m.

We sat and talked while watching the village life around us.As time passed, Emilet saw I was very hungry. He quickly ran to the kitchen and came back with some bean cake (akara) and fried chicken, plus drinks. Later, he brought more drinks for us. I didn’t know the food and drinks were “stolen” from the kitchen until one of his aunts came into the room where we were sitting.

Emilet pinched me to hide the food, and I didn’t understand why, but I did as he said. The aunt greeted us warmly and left, saying Emilet told her about the food. I was hungry and shocked, and I remembered a funny saying I saw on social media that morning: “Try to get food for your family, and don’t tell your friend to hide drinks at family events.” It was funny but true.

After eating, Emilet joked and asked if his teeth were dirty from the food. I laughed and said, "Let’s take some photos because his teeth were shining." It was all part of the fun.More people started coming, filling the place where the marriage was to happen. Soon, the traditional marriage ceremony began with music and dancing.

What Happens at Traditional Marriages in Akwa Ibom Traditional marriages in Akwa Ibom are full of color and culture. Here are some things that usually happen: Bride Price Presentation: The groom’s family gives the bride price and gifts to the bride’s family. This shows respect and commitment.

Traditional drums like the Ekwe and Udu are played. People dance happily in traditional clothes. Blessings and Prayers: Elders pray for the couple to have a happy and successful marriage. Gift Exchange: Both families give each other gifts like kola nuts and palm wine.Big Feast: There is a lot of food like Edikang Ikong soup, Afang soup, pounded yam, and meat.

Traditional Clothes:

Everyone wears beautiful traditional clothes made from Ankara or George fabric.Back to Our StoryLater in the evening, Emilet brought me more food. I asked carefully if it was “stolen” food, and he said no, especially because his sister was there. When it got dark, I realized I had no money to go back. I stayed close to Emilet, and he showed me a bus where I could sit and wait so it wouldn’t fill up before he came.

People started coming to the bus stop one by one, and the bus quickly filled up. Before Emilet could come back to sit, the bus was full. I was scared I might be left behind. Luckily, Emilet’s father helped make a way for him to get on the bus.Final ThoughtsThe whole event was a great experience full of fun, culture, and family love.

Even though there were some small problems—the missing bus, hiding food, and the bus being full—it was a wonderful celebration of love and tradition in Akwa Ibom. I left with a better understanding of the customs and the strong family bond that traditional marriages bring.

Dezzle J 🗣️🎤🖋️