It was a day filled with joy, laughter, and celebration in Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as two prominent families, the Nwifurus and the Umahis came together to seal their political bond in a grand traditional wedding ceremony.
A relationship that began five years ago between Princess Rebecca Cynthia Nwifuru, younger sister to the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and Engr. Silas Umahi, younger brother to the Minister of Works, His Excellency Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has now blossomed into a beautiful celebration of love, unity and tradition.
The colorful traditional marriage took place at the palace of His Royal Highness Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwakpu, drawing friends, dignitaries, and well-wishers from across the state and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described the marriage as an act of God, revealing that the couple’s relationship began quietly in 2020 — long before either family knew about it.
“Some people may think that the Governor and myself stage-managed this wedding, so I will testify on behalf of both of us, we never knew of their relationship,” Umahi said.
“The funny thing is that it started as far back as 2020. So, when they came to me and said they wanted to marry, I asked my brother if he was looking for a contract from the Ebonyi State Government. He said no, that they have been together since 2020. I was shocked — even when I was Governor, I didn’t know! But what can you do? I said okay, go and see the Governor. That was the first time the Governor also got to know. So both of us are innocent of this union.”
He added that the union is a divine continuation of the long-standing friendship between the Umahi and Nwifuru families.
“God has a way of doing things. My relationship with the Governor started over 18 years ago on a note of love and trust. There was nothing binding us except honesty. So when this one is happening, it means that God is in the relationship and has decided to extend it beyond the two of us.”
In his remarks, Governor Francis Nwifuru expressed joy over his sister’s marriage and described it as a deeply personal and special moment for him and his family.
“My sister that is taken today , everybody in this compound knows that I like her, including all my fathers’ wives. When she told me she wanted to learn sewing, I asked if she was okay, and she said that’s what she wanted. I supported her all through. So, this is a special wedding for me. We will dance here till tomorrow morning,” the Governor said with a smile.
He also playfully advised the groom:
“Don’t disturb them, Silas, caution her when you are supposed to, sit her down when you are supposed to, laugh with her when you are supposed to. This house I built for my mother has only seven rooms — no room for her here — so she belongs to the parlor now. Anytime she visits, she will stay in the living room and go back to her husband’s place.”
The ceremony attracted distinguished dignitaries including former Governor Martin Elechi, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Hon. Chinedu Oga, His Lordship Elvis Anegu Ngene, Barr. Chioma Nweze, Chief Austin Umahi, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa, Chief Obinna Ogba, Engr. Elias Mbam, Arch. Edward Nkwegu, and several members of the State Executive Council, the House of Assembly, traditional rulers, and leaders of various youth and women organizations.
