SGF George Akume Marries New Wife, Ooni of Ife’s Ex-Wife Zaynab in ‘Uncommon’ Union

By Emmanuel Kwada

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has married Queen Zaynab Ngohemba, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

The union, described by the Akume’s Dajoh family as “beautiful” and “uncommon,” was publicly celebrated on Friday through a viral social media post by family member Abraham Double-d Dajoh. The post formally welcomed Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh into the family home in Mbakor, Benue State, this December.

“We, the entire Dajoh Family, happily join our daddy, uncle and brother, His Excellency, The Secretary To The Government Of The Federation, Sen. George Akume Jugu Dajoh in welcoming his new and uncommon wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, into the Dajoh family,” the statement read.

The family extended warm greetings, saying: “Welcome to Benue State, the Food Basket of the Nation, welcome to Mbakor, the seat of leadership of the Tiv nation and welcome to the Dajoh family, the home of your darling husband. Welcome home, Queen Zaynab.”

They also thanked Akume’s supporters and urged continued loyalty, while wishing Nigerians a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Queen Zaynab, previously known as Olori Zaynab Otiti-Obanor (or Olori Wuraola), was married to the Ooni of Ife in a high-profile traditional ceremony in 2016. The marriage lasted 17 months and ended in 2017.

Akume’s spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, confirmed the marriage when contacted, clarifying that it has been in place for over a year—contrary to some reports suggesting it was recent or tied to a Christmas Eve event.

The news has sparked widespread discussion, blending political prominence with royal heritage in this festive season union. Akume, a former Benue State governor and key figure in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, continues to serve as SGF amid the celebrations.