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Marriage Tradition in llorin Emirate

Marriage in Ilorin is such a fundamental issue that parents are expected to play an important role in making sure that their children get married to partners who were considered to be in their wards' best interest.

Marriage Tradition in Ilorin Emirate

Marriage in llorin is such a fundamental issue that parents are expected to play an important role in making sure that their children get married to partners who were considered to be in their wards' best interest. To achieve that, the service of a link (Alatona) was usually secured to investigate and report on the prospective spouse and in-laws. This was to find out whether or not such family had hereditary diseases, record of social misconduct, etc. At times, spiritual consultation was employed. Once the two families had deliberated and decided on the date for the marriage ceremony, the bride was prevented from going to the market alone few days to the date fixed; she was not allowed to fetch water from the well or engage in any strenuous activity so as to forestall unforeseen circumstances that could mar the proposed marriage ceremony.

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In the past, three weeks to the date fixed, the bride would carry, on her head, a container filled with Sweets, Kolanuts and Biscuits. These were distributed to the people in the area as a way of informing them of the proposed marriage. Kolanuts were also served to families of the prospective couples, who would in turn inform and invite their friends to the wedding ceremony. Until recently, marriage ceremony was a week-long event in the Emirate. Tuesday usually marked the beginning of the wedding ceremony :the Wolimat eve (Aisu wolima) was organized featuring Waka rendition by exponents such as Dodo Oniwaka, Alabi Labaeka, and Alhaja Batimoluwasi, among others. The Aisun also featured the preparation of "Masa Wolima" (locally fried corn cake) served to people in attendance. Wednesday was the Wolimat day: both the groom and bride would recite select verses of the Holy Qur'an followed by a 'celebration' of successful recitation through singing (waka), 'dancing' and cash donation. Thursday was 'D-Day for the marriage proper, 'Ojo Iyawo' for the bride while Friday was the groom's. Yigi siso or tying of nuptial knot was an important aspect of marriage kept intact up till today because of its religious implications. In the past, the bride and groom were not required to be personally present at the venue for this; instead, members of their families adequately represented them.