Xerona Duke’s colourful wedding in Calabar

The former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke and wife, Onari, were in the jolliest of moods over the weekend when they hosted the traditional wedding of their daughter, Xerona and Derin Phillps, the son of Chief (Mrs.) Teju Phillips and grand son of international businessman, Chief Deinde Fernandez.
Alh Abdul Samad , Otunba Niyi Adebayo , Groom , Alh. Aliko Dangote , HRH Edidem Ekpo Otu , Mr. Donald Duke & HIs Eminence Alh Sanusi Lamido

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The ceremony was held at the private residence of the Dukes in the ancient city of Calabar, Cross River State and it was an admixture of Efik and Yoruba cultures.
Groom’s Family
Taking to instagram, the bride wrote about their introduction which unfolded months ago:
“One of the aspects of the wedding we’ve looked forward to most is being able to embrace the cultures of our parents (my father is Efik and Quas, my mother is Kalabari and @drcaise is Yoruba), so we made the most of our #Introduction and I felt like a princess in my onyo onyo and double wrapper, while Derin looked rather dashing in his agbada. It was also wonderful to honor my late grandmother, Henrietta Ajumogobia Bobmanuel, by wearing her white coral necklaces and crown.
Obong of Calabar HRH Edem Ekpo Abasi Otu V. & Wife

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The day went seamlessly and we give God all the glory because when He’s in charge you know it and He was without a doubt with us. God bless all of our family members and friends who were with us and showed up in brilliant fuschia and beautiful yellow for the first step in combining our families. Now to the trad! #XD2018 #firstofallintroduction • “
Vice Admiral I. E. Ibas & Mr. Donald Duke ((L-R)
Dignitaries in attendance included, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II HRM. Edidem Ekpa, Obong of Calabar, All. Aliko Dangote, Alh.Abdul Samad, Mr Segun Awolowo, Chief Francis Ogboro, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibok Ekwe Iba and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.
The bride, taking some generous Calabar dance steps
(R-L) Mr. Wale Babalakin & Mr. Segun Awolowo
(R-L) Mr. Wale Babalakin & Mr. Segun Awolowo
Photos by Adekoya Adegbite

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