Akume weds former Ooni’s Queen, union draws political and royal attention

By Ade Ade

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has married a new wife, Her Highness Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, a prominent figure within Nigeria’s royal and elite social circles.

The marriage became public after a Facebook post by Abraham Double-D Dajoh, who announced the union on behalf of the Dajoh family.

In the message, the family formally welcomed Queen Zaynab, describing her as a “new and uncommon wife,” while urging supporters of the former Benue State governor to continue to stand by him.

The statement also conveyed symbolic greetings to Benue State, popularly known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” to Mbakor, regarded as a traditional seat of leadership among the Tiv people, and to the wider Dajoh family lineage.

Senator Akume remains one of the most influential political figures from Nigeria’s North-Central region. He served two terms as governor of Benue State between 1999 and 2007, later represented Benue North-West in the Senate, and held several strategic leadership roles within the All Progressives Congress (APC) before his appointment as SGF by President Bola Tinubu.

Over the years, he has maintained strong grassroots influence and a firm foothold within the Tiv socio-political structure.

Queen Zaynab, formerly known as Zaynab Otiti Obanor, first attracted national attention in 2016 following her marriage to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional rulers.

Their traditional wedding took place on March 12, 2016, in Benin City, Edo State, followed by a thanksgiving service and grand reception at the Royal Court of Ife in Osun State.

The royal marriage, however, lasted slightly over a year and officially ended in August 2017, a development that drew widespread public interest due to the stature of the Ife throne.

Her marriage to Senator Akume marks a new chapter, bringing together a former queen of one of Nigeria’s most historic monarchies and a seasoned power broker in contemporary Nigerian politics. The union has since generated significant attention across political, traditional, and social circles.

As public interest grows, attention has also shifted to Queen Zaynab herself. Close associates say she has been unfairly judged by the tone and speed of social media commentary, stressing that she is neither a political accessory nor a public spectacle.

Those familiar with her describe Queen Zaynab as a reserved and intellectually grounded woman with years of quiet involvement in charitable, humanitarian, and developmental initiatives across different regions of the country.

They note that many of her contributions, particularly in youth leadership development, community stability, and humanitarian coordination, were undertaken without publicity.

Associates further dismiss speculation linking her to political ambition or influence, emphasising that she has no interest in public office or political power. According to them, her professional path remains independent, and marriage has not altered that trajectory.

Observers argue that the unfolding narrative around the SGF’s marriage calls for a more measured assessment, one that recognises personal agency, restraint, and substance beyond the glare of instant public judgment.