At exactly 10:40 in the morning, Jabir and his family arrived. They were surprised to see two big canopies erected in Otunba’s house. In fact, they were more surprised by the number of people already seated under the canopies.
A Grand Introduction and Wedding Plan
The Arrival
Mama Akinsola turned to her son. “Jabir, what’s going on? Isn’t this just an introduction?” “Yes, it is,” he replied.
“Then why are canopies erected? Why are there so many people in attendance?” The woman was amazed. “Well, Hamzah said his father is big on celebrations. That may be the reason,” Jabir replied.
A Lavish Affair
“Toor!” Mama Akinsola shrugged. “Thank God I’m wearing something nice. This family is really big on celebration, indeed. And thank God we didn’t come empty-handed,” she couldn’t stop feeling relieved.
Preparing for the Event
Hamdalah peeped through the window when they heard noises of greetings and pleasantries outside. “Naila, your husband and his people are here,” she informed her friend excitedly. “He’s not yet my husband,” Naila shook her head. “Today is the D-day!” Hamdalah winked at her.
Getting Ready
“You’re jumping!” Naila shook her head. “Yes, because I’m a jumper,” Hamdalah agreed with a smile. “Let’s get you dressed, jare. You’ll be called out any moment from now!” Together with Khadijah and Nasirat, they got Naila dressed, and she was looking beautiful and radiant.
Holding Onto Memories
While getting dressed, Naila held her diary firmly. Hamdalah couldn’t stop teasing her. They remained in the room and waited until Naila was summoned. When no one was looking, Naila quickly hid her diary under her pillow. She would return it to her wardrobe later when no one was around.
Warm Welcome
The Adamson family welcomed the Akinsola family with open arms. They invited them to their large living room and asked them to feel at home. In a jiffy, they served them pounded yam with efo riro to their surprise, accompanied by different assorted drinks.
Sensing Hospitality
Reading their countenances, Mrs Adamson told them they wanted them to eat before the event commenced. They nodded and thanked her for the food. “They’re really nice people!” Mazeedah, Jabir’s younger sister remarked. “You can say that again!” Awwal, his younger brother agreed. “Let’s eat,” Mama Akinsola told her family.
Dining and Conversations
“They really have a big and beautiful house here!” Mazeedah observed, and her mother gave her a stern look. “Eat and stop talking,” the woman said. “I’m eating,” she replied, and not up to 60 seconds later, she spoke again. “Bro Jabir, what are you feeling like today?” she asked her brother. “I’m feeling very happy!” he replied.
Maintaining Privacy
“You should feel happy, indeed,” Mazeedah told him. “You’re finally getting the peace of mind that you deserve…” “You better keep quiet!” Jabir shut her down calmly. “Who told you I don’t have peace of mind before?”
“It really shows. The scar on your forehead is a testimony of your peace of mind!” Mazeedah was sarcastic, and Jabir glanced at his mother. “Did you tell her anything?” he asked. “Do you have amnesia?” his mother asked. “Was Mazeedah not the one Anat called? Have you forgotten Mazeedah was the one that informed me before I ran to the hospital?”
Ensuring Discretion
“This is not something to discuss here!” Jabir’s elder brother, Sadiq, weighed in. “That’s true,” Alhaji Waliyu Akinsola, their father’s brother, agreed. “We don’t know who’s listening to our conversation. We’re here to take a wife. Her family shouldn’t know that the first wife is like that!” “You’re right, sir,” Mama Akinsola nodded.
Silent Meals
They all kept quiet and finished their food in silence. Thankfully, nobody heard them because no one was around. After their food, they were invited to the canopy to get the event started.
A Formal Introduction
When they got out, the people under the canopy were more than before, further amazing them. Naila’s parents were exquisitely dressed in uniform. They looked like a king and a queen in their aso-oke outfits. Her father held a staff with a black shade on his face, and her mother’s gele almost reached the top of the canopy.
Amazement
Jabir’s mother couldn’t stop being amazed. She looked at her family and heaved a deep sigh. ‘We all dress elegantly and richly too,’ she was satisfied. The front row of the second canopy was preserved for them. They sat down, and the MC addressed them.
Welcoming the Guests
“We welcome the Akinsola family to our family. We’re the Adamson family from Ogun State. You’re highly welcome,” the MC smiled at them. “Thank you,” the Akinsola family chorused.
Handing Over the Mic
“You’re welcome. According to the template given to me, this is supposed to be an introduction between the two families, but then, the bride’s father has something greater for us,” the MC said, and Jabir repositioned himself on the seat. His mother also adjusted herself on the seat.
A Warm Greeting
“Before I continue, I’ll like to give the mic to Otunba Adamson because he has a lot to say,” the MC said and handed the mic to Naila’s father. Again, Jabir sat down properly, his ears attentive to whatever Otunba needed to say.
Otunba’s Address
“Asalam Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,” Otunba greeted warmly. “Walaykum Salam Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,” they all responded cheerfully.
Eulogizing His Daughter
“I welcome everyone to this august occasion. Most especially my would-be in-laws. You’re specially and honorably welcome.” “Thank you,” the Akinsola family replied. “You’re welcome. Before I start speaking, can someone get me Naila, Omodasola, Ododoeye, Morenikeji, Abike, Abisola, Owodunni, Omolewa, Omotolani Oluwafunmilayo, Ayanfe,” Otunba called out his daughter’s name eulogically and emotionally.
A Father’s Love
Everyone was touched. They could feel his love for his daughter. One of Naila’s sisters-in-law quickly went in to fetch her. A few minutes later, Naila walked out majestically in the company of her two friends and two of her sisters-in-law; Khadijah and the one who fetched her. She was looking ravishing in her chocolate brown jilbab. Her hand was graced with a rose gold purse, and elegant rose gold shoes beautified her feet.
Coincidental Matching
Jabir was amazed to see Naila in chocolate brown. They both wore brown outfits, and the coincidence mesmerized him. It wasn’t planned at all. Thank God Amirah locked his clothes inside. The clothes he wanted to wear before were blue, which wouldn’t have matched Naila’s colour. The disappointment turned out to be a blessing. He looked at Habeeb with gratitude. Allah really used him to rescue him from shame.
Welcoming His Daughter
“You’re welcome, my darling daughter. Please sit down beside your mother,” Otunba ushered his daughter with adoration. “Thank you, daddy,” Naila smiled as she sat down.
Respecting Traditions
“I would have said she should go and sit down beside Jabir, but my children have been adhering to sunnah (the pristine practice of Islam) long enough for me to know that a man and a woman who are yet to become a husband and wife cannot exchange skinship – and part of it is sitting together, it doesn’t matter if their union is happening that day or not,” Otunba explained, and Hamzah smiled proudly.
Family Introduction
“Let’s do the family introduction,” he said, and the MC extensively introduced members of the Adamson family while Jabir’s uncle also introduced the Akinsola family. The introduction was enlightening, and Otunba was pleased.
A Special Announcement
“My fourth son, Haroon, is having his wedding in a month’s time. And I wish to do the two weddings together,” he said, which sparked different reactions from the audience. Jabir nodded his head. He really loved the short time frame. His family was also happy with it.
The Proposal
The MC asked Hassan to walk to where his father-in-law was sitting to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage. The MC implored his father and one other male relative to go with him, which they did.
Formal Request
They stood in front of Engineer Okanlawon and requested his daughter’s hand in marriage. The MC made Hassan repeat the same question seven times. The bride was asked if she knew the groom and accepted him or was forced into the marriage. She replied that she knew him and agreed to the marriage.
Affirming the Marriage
Engineer Okanlawon was asked to respond sincerely to Hassan’s request, which he affirmed. The father of the groom was asked to corroborate his son’s request, which he did. The officiating Imam asked the father of the bride once again if he would give his daughter in marriage wholeheartedly to Hassan Olajuwon with the stipulated mahr of a Hijab closet, to which he gave a resounding yes.
A Father’s Blessing
Otunba continued. “My daughter’s would-be husband is someone I’m very much indebted to. If I give him a car, it wouldn’t measure up to the great things he did in my life. In fact, giving him a house would not suffice. Giving him any material gift wouldn’t suffice either. What I think will suffice is to bless him with my daughter…” he said, and the audience cheered. Jabir grinned from ear to ear.
Expressing Gratitude
“I didn’t say I want to give him my daughter as compensation for what he has done for me. I said I want to bless him with my daughter, which means that my daughter is a blessing. And I want to extend that blessing to him so that it can dwell with him forever and forever. That’s the only thing that can measure up to the good things he did for me,” Otunba said, and the audience cheered again.
Acknowledging Character
“I deliberately skipped the process of knowing Jabir. I told him to bring his family straight off because I know him so well. He’s my son’s very good friend who has lived under my roof before, wined and dined with me, and related with me. And I can say that he’s worthy of my daughter. He has an exemplary character which is really mind-blowing. Apart from what I know about him while living with me, I recently ran a private investigation on him, and the results were excellent. He’s a noble man, and nobility can’t be bought with money. And because he’s noble, I overlooked the fact that he’s a married man. Ordinarily, I won’t give my daughter to a married man, but because it’s him, I couldn’t help it. And so, it is my utmost desire to have them joined together today!” Otunba said, and the audience cheered again, this time louder.
A Dream Come True
Jabir was surprised. He couldn’t believe his feeling eventually came to pass. It wasn’t an ordinary feeling actually; the feeling stemmed from a dream he had. He dreamt that Otunba gave Naila to him on the first day he took his family to him. And his pleasant dreams always came to pass, which was why he had a strong feeling about the solemnisation happening that day. However, Otunba’s next words shocked him.
Honoring Tradition
“I want them to be joined together today, but I don’t want my daughter to leave today,” Otunba said, and Naila grinned. That was exactly what she wanted. To be joined together that day but not to leave that day. Jabir smiled with a feeling of tiny disappointment. He had planned how to sneak away with Naila for a seven-day adventure versus honeymoon to one of the best tourist centres in Nigeria. And by the time they returned after seven days, the house he wanted to put her in would have been ready. But then, he was equally happy that things didn’t go according to his plans. He could return home and pacify his wife more. He had a whole month to prepare her for the journey ahead. She also had a whole month to adjust. That was fair enough.
Joining Hearts
“I want the solemnisation to happen for a number of reasons. I said earlier that I know that the adherents of sunnah don’t share skinship even on their wedding day until they’re joined together. I want the couple to sit together on their wedding day, so I want them to be joined together today…”
Hamdalah’s Request
“Daddy, I also want to sit together with my husband on our wedding day,” Hamdalah said sharply, and Otunba smiled. “Your parents said they wanted everything to be done together on the wedding day. But don’t worry, dear, we can tell your parents to let the solemnisation happen before the programme so that you and Haroon can sit together. How about that?” Otunba asked her. “That’s perfect, sir,” she grinned, and Haroon smiled. He always enjoyed Hamdalah’s vibes. He would choose her over and over again.
Playful Banter
“We’re having a joint wedding!” Hamdalah winked at Naila because she was sitting beside her. “That’s really cool. But then, I’m officially getting married before you,” Naila bragged playfully. “Ish! Go and use your wedding seniority to collect money in the bank,” Hamdalah teased her. “Sorry, darling! I know it’s not easy to concede defeat,” Naila teased her. “I’ll cry o,” Hamdalah said sharply. “I have a handkerchief here!” Naila replied jovially. “You’re not nice. I promise to torment you when I finally become your sister-in-law.” “When that happens, I’ll no longer be in this house. I’ll also be at my husband’s house. Remember we’re getting married the same day!” “It doesn’t matter. I can still show you pepper!” Hamdalah replied, and they both giggled.
More Reasons to Celebrate
Otunba Adamson continued speaking. “Another reason why I want them to be joined together today is so that they can share a level of intimacy and bond before the wedding. In fact, they can even have carnal knowledge of each other before the wedding feast; I don’t mind that at all…” he said, which again sparked different reactions from the audience. Jabir grinned. He couldn’t believe he could be honoured by Otunba as much as that. The man really has a way of warming people’s hearts. He has really warmed his heart.
Personal Address
“Dear Jabir,” Otunba addressed him personally this time. “I’m honouring you today because you deserve it. I’m giving my daughter to you because your character is good. I’m giving my daughter to you because you’ve proven to be worthy of her. And because you’re equally her choice. Your affection for each other is way back. And I once separated you. I didn’t regret separating you even though I regret the way I went about it. Separating you then was for the best. I almost separated you again because of your marital status but then because you’re a noble breed, every other thing doesn’t matter. I want you to treat my daughter with utmost fragility. I don’t want you to disappoint me. I don’t want you to change from the good person that you are. If you mistreat my daughter, I’ll grind your bones and feed them to the birds in the sky,” he said, and Jabir laughed.
Promises and Blessings
“I know you’re laughing because those words reminded you of something, right?” Otunba asked. “Yes, sir,” Jabir replied. “But then, I’m not joking at all, so don’t laugh.” “I’m sorry for laughing, sir. I promise to treat your daughter well. I promise to love, cherish and adore her till infinity. I promise to water her dreams and aspirations. I promise to hold her dear till I breathe my last! May Allah assist me!” Jabir ended his promise with a prayer, and everyone replied with Aamin. Otunba, satisfied with his promise, called upon the officiating Imam. “Please sir, help us join them together,” Otunba urged the Imam emotionally.
The Solemnisation
The MC handed the microphone over to the Imam, who addressed Naila first. He asked if she was forced into marrying Jabir, and she replied in the negative. Satisfied with her response, the Imam told Jabir to get up alongside his father figure. He got up, and his uncle also got up. The Imam asked if he’d discussed the Mahr (dowry) with Naila, which he responded in the affirmative. He asked Naila if it was true that the dowry had been discussed, and she said yes.
