As earlier reported, the marriage ceremony between Zahra Buhari and Ahmed Indimi has been postponed and now reports reaveal that the marriage may have been postponed because of a physical dispute that trailed the delivery of the dowry boxes valued at N44 million.
According to reports, trouble started on November 18, during the traditional introduction ceremony, when the sister of the groom, Yataka Indimi, insisted on taking her mobile phone into the Presidential Villa, Abuja, contrary to security protocol.
It was gathered that Yataka wanted to record all the proceedings, including the delivery of the boxes made by the French luxury brand, Louis Vuitton, with her mobile phone, despite the fact it was against standard security protocol in the villa.
In line with the Hausa/Fulani tradition, the boxes, according to sources, contained cash, jewelry, clothes, bags, shoes and other gifts valued at several millions of naira for Zahra and her family.
However, a struggle ensued between Yataka and the security officials, who tried to compel her to comply with protocol, only for her to resist.
According to a reliable family source, the argument degenerated to a scuffle, compelling the wife of the Nasarawa State governor, Mrs. Tanko Almakura, to step in to stop the altercation from getting out of hand, and may have injured her arm in the process.
“As of today, we learnt that the Nasarawa first lady is still nursing her wounds and is being treated for a dislocation,” the source said.
It was gathered that the incident was so embarrassing that it incurred the wrath of the president over the behaviour of the Indimis.
According to a source close to the presidency, President Buhari threatened to return the boxes and stop the marriage.
“We learnt that the president, who was displeased with the development and behaviour exhibited by the Indimi family, vowed to return the boxes and not approve of the marriage.
“The president was also of the view that the gifts were too expensive and incompatible with his modest lifestyle and has asked the Indimis to take the boxes back.
“I think we must give it to the president for taking this stand, and cementing his reputation for not tolerating indiscipline,” the source said.
However, elders close to the Buhari and Indimi families are at the moment trying to prevail on the president not to return the boxes, as he would be going against tradition.
They are also working on resolving the tension that has arisen since the incident, so that the wedding can go ahead as planned. If not this weekend, then as soon as possible.
Further findings revealed that while Buhari might not be favourably disposed to the idea of marrying out his daughter to a wealthy suitor, the wife of the president and her other daughters, who are more liberal, are rooting for the marriage.