THE Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has officially married Queen Zaynab Ngohemba, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, marking a significant personal milestone for one of Nigeria’s most senior government officials.
News Point Nigeria reports that the marriage became public knowledge on Friday following a celebratory post on social media by Abraham Double-d Dajoh, a Facebook user and prominent member of the Dajoh family, who announced the union and welcomed Queen Zaynab into the Akume family.
In the widely shared post, the Dajoh family described the marriage as “beautiful” and “uncommon,” formally embracing the former Olori of the Ife Kingdom into their fold in Benue State, the ancestral home of the Akume family.
“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 also expressed gratitude to Akume’s political associates, supporters, and admirers across the country, urging them to continue standing by the SGF as he embarks on this new chapter of his personal life.
“We appreciate and thank the fans and supporters of Sen. Akume for always standing by him. We enjoin every one of you to continue to support His Excellency even in this beautiful union with Queen Zaynab,” the post added.
Queen Zaynab, who was previously known as Olori Wuraola, was married to the Ooni of Ife for about 17 months, before the union ended in 2017. Since then, she has remained in the public eye as a humanitarian and social advocate, while maintaining a relatively low-profile private life.
In welcoming her, the Dajoh family highlighted the significance of their cultural heritage and ancestral roots, extending a warm reception to the former queen.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The announcement coincided with the festive season, with the family also using the opportunity to extend goodwill messages to Nigerians.
“We wish you all a happy Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year,” the post read.
Senator Akume, a former Governor of Benue State, ex-Minister of Special Duties, and a long-serving political figure, currently occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as SGF, overseeing coordination across the federal government.
As news of the marriage spread, it quickly generated widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political, social, and cultural circles, becoming a major talking point nationwide.
When contacted for clarification, Yomi Odunuga, spokesman to the SGF, confirmed the marriage but dismissed reports suggesting it was recently contracted.
“I can confirm the marriage. However, contrary to the rumour that the marriage was concretised in Gboko on Christmas Eve when the couple appeared together at a Christmas event, it is actually a marriage that is over a year old,” Odunuga said.
The clarification has since helped put to rest speculation surrounding the timing of the union, even as public interest in the high-profile marriage continues to grow.