Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has taken a new wife, drawing public attention across political and social circles in the country. His new bride is Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, who was formerly married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The news of the marriage became public on Friday through a Facebook post shared by a family member, Abraham Double-d Dajoh. The post announced the union and welcomed Queen Zaynab into the Dajoh family.
In the message, the family expressed joy over the marriage and described the new bride as “uncommon,” while also thanking supporters of the SGF for standing by him.
“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 used the opportunity to appreciate Akume’s supporters and urged them to continue backing him, even as he begins a new chapter in 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, while wishing Nigerians a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
In a warm and symbolic gesture, the Dajoh family welcomed Queen Zaynab to Benue State, describing it as the “Food Basket of the Nation.” She was also welcomed to Mbakor, described as the seat of leadership of the Tiv nation, and into the Dajoh family, which they called the home of her “darling husband.”
The announcement has since generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians congratulating the SGF and his new wife, while others expressed surprise due to Queen Zaynab’s royal past.
Queen Zaynab was previously known as Queen Zaynab Otiti Obanor during her marriage to the Ooni of Ife. She got married to Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi in a traditional wedding ceremony on March 12, 2016, in Benin City, Edo State.
The marriage was followed by a thanksgiving service and grand reception held on March 13, 2016, at the Royal Court of Ife in Osun State. At the time, the union attracted national attention, as the Ooni of Ife is one of the most respected traditional rulers in Nigeria and the spiritual head of the Yoruba people.
However, the marriage between Queen Zaynab and the Ooni did not last long. In August 2017, reports emerged that the marriage had ended. Neither party gave extensive public details about the separation, but the development marked the end of her time as a queen in the Ife palace.
Since then, Queen Zaynab has largely stayed away from public controversy, making her re-emergence in the public eye through this marriage notable.
Senator George Akume is a prominent political figure in Nigeria. He previously served as Governor of Benue State from 1999 to 2007 and later represented Benue North-West Senatorial District in the National Assembly. In 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed him as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, a key position responsible for coordinating federal government activities.
Akume is known for his influence in Benue politics and his long-standing role in Nigeria’s political space. His marriage has therefore attracted interest not just as a personal event, but also as a union linking political leadership with traditional royalty.
So far, neither the SGF nor Queen Zaynab has made a personal public statement about the marriage. However, the family’s announcement suggests that the union has the blessing and support of close relatives.
Reactions from the public have been mixed but largely positive. While some Nigerians congratulated the couple and wished them a happy marriage, others focused on Queen Zaynab’s journey from a royal palace to becoming the wife of a top government official.
Cultural commentators say such unions reflect Nigeria’s diverse social fabric, where politics, tradition, and modern life often intersect.