Senator George Akume, Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has reportedly married Queen Zaynab Ngohemba, widely known as the former Olori of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. This high-profile union, involving two prominent figures in Nigerian public life, recently garnered significant media attention following a public announcement. The development marks a notable personal milestone for Akume, a veteran politician, and for Queen Zaynab, who has maintained a relatively private profile since her previous royal marriage. This news has sparked considerable interest across the nation’s political and social circles.
The initial announcement surfaced through a celebratory social media post shared by Abraham Double-d Dajoh, identified as a member of the Akume Dajoh family. His Facebook update warmly welcomed Queen Zaynab into the family, describing her as an “uncommon wife” and extending felicitations to the people of Benue State and the wider Tiv nation. The post also urged continued support for Akume in this new chapter, while conveying festive greetings for Christmas and the New Year, underscoring the timing of the public disclosure.
While the public announcement created a buzz in late December 2025, a spokesperson for Senator Akume later clarified that the marriage itself had actually taken place over a year prior. The recent festivities, according to the spokesman, were to formalise Queen Zaynab’s welcome into the Dajoh family in Mbakor, Benue State, through traditional cultural rites. This clarification aimed to contextualise the timing, indicating that the widely reported event was a subsequent family integration ceremony rather than the wedding itself. Such cultural observances are common and significant in Nigerian society, marking official acceptance into a new family.
Senator George Akume brings a rich and extensive political career to this new union. A seasoned politician from Benue State, he served two terms as governor from 1999 to 2007, spearheading various development initiatives in the North Central region. Following his governorship, he transitioned to the National Assembly, representing Benue North-West Senatorial District for three terms. His legislative tenure was marked by active participation in key committees, contributing to national policy formulation before his appointment as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Akume’s ascent culminated in his current crucial role as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a position he assumed in June 2023. As SGF, he plays a pivotal role in coordinating government activities, ensuring the smooth functioning of the federal bureaucracy, and implementing presidential directives. His extensive experience in both executive and legislative capacities positions him as a central figure in Nigeria’s current political landscape, making his personal life developments of national interest.
Queen Zaynab Ngohemba, originally from Edo State, first rose to national prominence through her marriage to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in March 2016. The traditional ceremony, a grand affair held in Benin City, saw her become Olori Wuraola, a revered title within the Yoruba traditional system. Her union with the monarch was widely publicised, drawing significant attention due to the Ooni’s prominent status as a custodian of Yoruba heritage and culture.
However, the marriage to the Ooni of Ife was relatively brief, lasting approximately 17 months before its dissolution in August 2017. Following the divorce, she reverted to her maiden name, Zaynab Otiti-Obanor, and embarked on a new chapter, largely stepping away from the public glare associated with her former royal status. This period marked a significant transition in her life, characterised by a conscious effort to redefine her public persona and personal focus.
Post-divorce, Queen Zaynab relocated abroad, where she reportedly dedicated her efforts to humanitarian work and social causes. She founded the Queen Zaynab Foundation, an organisation focused on various philanthropic endeavours, including empowering women, supporting vulnerable communities, and advocating for social justice. Her work has often been lauded for its impact, reflecting her commitment to community service and advocacy, a path distinct from her earlier public life.
The union between Senator Akume and Queen Zaynab brings together two individuals with distinct but equally prominent public histories. Their marriage, irrespective of its private beginnings, carries a certain symbolic weight within Nigerian society, intertwining political influence with a past connection to traditional royalty. Such high-profile personal developments often become subjects of public discussion, reflecting societal fascination with the intersection of power, status, and personal relationships.
The formal welcoming ceremony in Benue State underscores the importance of cultural integration and family acceptance in Nigerian marital traditions, particularly for individuals in the public eye. It highlights how personal unions, especially for figures like an SGF, are not merely private affairs but also community events that solidify social bonds and affirm cultural values. The news, though clarifying an older event, reaffirms the public’s enduring interest in the lives of its leaders and prominent personalities.
