Governor’s sister weds minister’s brother in lavish ceremony

Oferekpe Agbaja community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State came alive with music, colour, and joy on Friday as two  prominent families — the Nwifurus and the Umahis — united through marriage in a grand traditional ceremony.

The celebration marked the union of Princess Rebecca Nwifuru, younger sister to Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, and Silas Umahi, younger brother to the Minister of Works, David Umahi. Their love story, which began five years ago, culminated in a festive display of unity, tradition, and affection.

The traditional wedding, held at the palace of His Royal Highness Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwakpu, drew a large gathering of dignitaries, political leaders, and well-wishers from across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event on Friday, Minister of Works David Umahi described the marriage as “an act of God,” revealing that the couple’s relationship started 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.

Umahi described the marriage as a divine continuation of the friendship between both 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,” he said.

Governor Francis Nwifuru, visibly elated, described his sister’s wedding as a deeply personal and joyful occasion.

“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,” he said with a smile.

He also offered some lighthearted advice to 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 high-profile ceremony was graced by 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 Ebonyi State Executive Council and House of Assembly, alongside traditional rulers, and youth and women leaders