Engenni Simple Yet Unique Traditional Marriage Rites

Engenni Simple Yet Unique Traditional Marriage Rites – The Introduction

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Onisokien Victor writes on Engenni Simple Yet Unique Traditional Marriage Rites

A traditional marriage is a marriage that is recognized in a particular culture, religion, or social group. And every nation, country, religion or ethnic group is known for the uniqueness of its norms, culture, traditions and rites as it relates to marriage.

The Engenni people of Rivers state Nigeria, are no exception to this practice as they have a simple yet unique way for carrying out a traditional marriage. The Engenni ethnic nationality uses it’s indigenous language as a form of communication during traditional marriage rites and often times, an interpreter is made available in cases where the groom is not of the same ethnicity.

Furthermore, the first step in the Engenni traditional marriage is what is commonly called “Introduction”. This is the first visit a man and his kinsman pays to the family of the lady he intends to marry. During this visit, the groom formally make his intentions of matrimony known to the family of the lady of interest.

This visit, is characterized with the exchange of pleasantries and drinks by both families starting with the bride’s, welcoming and entertaining their guests. The groom’s family spokesperson then presents kola nuts and state the reason for the visit.

Inline with the first phase, the lady is then summoned by her kinsmen and informed of the man’s intentions and subsequently asked her response to this request, and If the drinks given should be accept or not.

Interestingly, if the bride approves, the drinks are then shared and a list called the traditional marriage list detailing the necessary payments to be made or items to be purchased is made available, and the bride price paid after this procession.

The Engenni people are found in one local government area in Rivers State, Nigeria: Ahoada West. The Engenni people are part of the Niger Delta region and live in close proximity to their Ijaw relatives.

The Engenni kingdom is ruled by the Okilom-Ibe of Engenni kingdom, who is the paramount ruler. The kingdom has five federating clans, each with a Group-head known as the Okilom-Opiri. Communities within the clans have traditional heads known as the Okilom-Akie.