Although they shared same surname, Leslie Gogo Dappa and his heartthrob, former Miss Grace John Dappa were two worlds apart and shared no biological relationships! While Leslie, a Port Harcourt based businessman and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, comes from the Dapu Section in Opobo Town, Grace hails from neighboring Kalaibiama, with both communities sandwiched by the Atlantic.
But love, according to an unknown author, is like a butterfly: It goes where it pleases and pleases where it goes!
And so, all routes led to Kalaibiama (a stone throw to ONOLGA Council Secretariat) on Saturday, July 13, 2019 for the traditional marriage ceremony of Leslie and Grace, amid heavy human and vehicular traffic, thanks to Governor Wike administration for constructing the new Opobo-Andoni expressway which now enables Opobians access the ancient town by road.
The ceremony was fun filled and showcased a rare display of the rich Ibani customs and traditions, drawing personalities from all walks of life. We had HRH, Alabo P.N. Dappa, Head of Dapu Section and HRH, Alabo Prof. Dagogo M.J. Fubara, Head Chief of Dappaye Amakiri.
Also present was the Lawmaker representing Opobo/Nkoro at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Adonye Kelly Diri; Former ONOLGA CTC Chairman and Ibidabo of Opobo Kingdom, Sir (Hon) Boma Brown, Leader, Opobo/Nkoro Legislative Assembly, Hon. Enyiada Cookey; Hon. Sim Ogolo and Hon. Minimah Bawa. Others are PDP ONOLGA Chairman, Hon. Daniel Legg-Jack, Senibo Joe Johnson and Senibo Stanley Pepple.
The Executive Chairman of the LGA, Hon. Eugene Joshua Jaja represented by his SA on Utilities, Senibo Shedrack Jaja even as the Chairman of Ubani Compound and his wife, Senibo and Pastor George Ubani were also present at the memorable event including a host of first class and second class chiefs.
For the unfamiliar visitor, it became very tasking drawing a line between the hosts and the guests since the bride and groom shared common surname. The roll call include Chairman of Dappa’s Compound, Warisenibo Arinye Dappa; Warisenibo John C. Dappa (bride’s father), Amaopu Dayi Angi Dappa, Senibo Mitchel Dappa and a horde of women leaders, ably led by Alabota Gloria Dappa.
