Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has married Queen Zaynab Ngohemba, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The union, confirmed on Friday, has sparked widespread attention across political and social circles nationwide.
The marriage became public after a member of the Dajoh family, Abraham Dajoh, shared a celebratory post on Facebook welcoming Queen Zaynab into the family. According to the post, the former Olori was formally received this December at the Dajoh family home in Mbakor, Benue State, in line with cultural traditions.
The Dajoh family described the union as “beautiful” and “uncommon,” expressing joy at welcoming the former queen into their household. In the widely shared message, the family praised Akume and urged his supporters to continue standing by him as he enters a new chapter of his personal life.
Queen Zaynab, previously known as Olori Wuraola, was married to the Ooni of Ife for 17 months before the union ended in 2017. Her arrival in Benue was marked with strong cultural symbolism, highlighting Mbakor’s significance as a traditional seat of leadership within Tiv land.
The family’s statement also celebrated Benue State’s heritage, welcoming Queen Zaynab to what they described as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” and emphasising the Dajoh lineage as the home of her husband. The announcement coincided with the festive season, with the family extending Christmas and New Year greetings to Nigerians.
Public interest intensified due to Akume’s political stature. The former Benue State governor currently serves as a senior figure in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, making the marriage a prominent topic beyond social media.
Akume’s spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, later confirmed the marriage but clarified conflicting reports. He said the union did not take place on Christmas Eve, as speculated online, but had been formalised more than a year ago. According to him, the couple’s recent public appearance merely reignited attention around a marriage already long established.
The confirmation has since put an end to speculation, while discussions around the high-profile union continue.
