Date: 9/10/2011

A Report On Oza-nogogo(Continuation)

Payment of Bride Price/Marriage CeremonyIn OZA-NOGOGO traditional setting, there was no line between payment of bride price and marriage ceremony.Both terms were synonyms. Some marriage ceremonies were elaborate, but some others were not elaborate. This was determined by the size of the pockets of those involved. It was the boy's family that usually, or should sponsor the marriage.Payments of bride price/marriage ceremonies usually took place on the daybefore "Eken" day. "Eken" is one of the days in the traditional four-day week. It is a day of rest for the people. The bride price was usually not a big thing to come by. Along with the bride price, Kola nuts, palm wine and "kain-kain"(gin) are presented.For those who have money, there was usually a party on the following day which was"Eken". After the marriage ceremony, the girl was escorted to her husband's house.SELECTION OF RULERSThe people of OZA-NOGOGO had their own unique civilisation before the adventof the Europeans. The peoplewere not barbaric in any form. There was law and order. They had their own leaders or rulers who emerged from amongst them in peaceful manners. I shall point out the two different important levels of leadership and say how they are selected. The rulers include the Ogisi and Odionwere.OgisiThe Ogisi of OZA-NOGOGO was and is the head of the whole community. Right from time, the people practiced a system which is today referred to as "Rotational monarchy". The Ogisi title was and is reserved for the Ogisi royal family(a special family in Uvbe- the headquarters of the community). When the reigning Ogisi dies, the eldest member of this family is enthroned as the new Ogisi.


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