In a new statement that has sparked significant public debate, former presidential aide Reno Omokri recently addressed claims regarding the marriage of Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate. In a letter responding to his critics, Omokri raised eyebrows when he revealed that Peter Obi married his wife, Margaret Obi, in 1992 when she was just 17 years old, a detail he described as “exposing his secrets.”
Omokri, who married his own wife in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church when she was an adult, used the comparison to defend his own marriage and question Peter Obi’s choice, suggesting that the latter’s marriage to a teenager may have raised ethical concerns. This revelation has brought attention to an important, often sensitive issue: the age at which individuals enter into marriage, especially in Nigerian society, where cultural norms around marriage can vary.
Peter Obi, a well-known figure in Nigerian politics, has been widely celebrated for his work as a governor, entrepreneur, and presidential candidate. His reputation, however, has not come without controversy. The recent comments from Reno Omokri, an outspoken critic of Obi, shed light on a more personal aspect of the politician’s life.
In his statement, Omokri drew a stark contrast between his own marriage and Obi’s, pointing out that while he wed his wife as a full adult, Obi’s wife was still a teenager at the time of their marriage. According to Omokri, “Peter Obi got married to his wife in 1992 when she was seventeen years old. I married my wife in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in the presence of her family and mine when she was a full-blown adult.”
The reference to Mrs. Margaret Obi’s age has ignited a fiery discussion on social media, with some questioning the ethics of marrying someone so young. Others have defended Peter Obi, stating that the marriage occurred under different cultural norms at the time. In many African cultures, marriage at a young age was more common, though it is a practice that has become increasingly controversial in modern times, particularly in relation to the rights of young girls and women.
In Nigeria, marriage customs can vary greatly between different ethnic groups, regions, and faiths. The concept of marrying at a young age has been prevalent in many parts of the country, especially in rural areas, where early marriages were often seen as a way to secure a family’s future and uphold cultural traditions.
However, global standards on the minimum legal age for marriage have been evolving. International bodies like the United Nations and UNICEF have campaigned against child marriage, with the latter estimating that 1 in 5 girls worldwide marry before the age of 18. In Nigeria, while the legal age for marriage is 18, customary and religious laws sometimes allow for marriages at a younger age, depending on the family’s traditions.
In light of these developments, the growing concern over child marriages in Nigeria has led to calls for more comprehensive reforms to protect the rights of young girls and ensure they are not coerced into early marriages.
While his comments have sparked a public debate, Omokri was quick to defend his own choices, stating that his marriage was between consenting adults. He also made it clear that he was not in competition with Peter Obi or anyone else.
This defence of his marriage comes after Omokri’s repeated public criticisms of Obi. Omokri, who served as a media aide to former president Goodluck Jonathan, has made it clear that he does not support Obi’s political views, often expressing this through his social media platforms. His comments on the marriage issue seem to be an extension of his ongoing criticisms.
Omokri also took time to speak fondly of his wife, describing their bond as the “greatest bond” he has with her. He also expressed his admiration for Mrs. Margaret Obi, wishing her well and acknowledging her beauty, but he made it clear that his focus was on defending his own marriage rather than attacking anyone else.
“May God bless Mrs. Margaret Obi. I will never compare her beauty with my wife’s. I am not in competition with anybody. I met my wife at home, and that is the greatest bond I have with her”
