SGF George Akume Marries Queen Zaynab, Ex-Wife of Ooni of Ife

On December 26, 2025, news broke across Nigerian media outlets that Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has married Queen Zaynab Ngohemba, formerly known as Olori Zaynab Otiti-Obanor, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

The announcement came via a celebratory Facebook post by Abraham Double-d Dajoh, a member of the Akume Dajoh family. The post warmly welcomed Queen Zaynab into the family, describing her as an "uncommon wife" and extending greetings to Benue State and the Tiv nation. It urged supporters to continue backing Akume in this "beautiful union" while wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Queen Zaynab, originally from Edo State, was married to the Ooni in a high-profile traditional ceremony in Benin City in March 2016. Known then as Olori Wuraola, the union lasted about 17 months before ending in divorce in August 2017. She later reverted to her maiden name, relocated abroad, and focused on humanitarian work, including founding the Queen Zaynab Foundation.

Akume, a veteran Tiv politician from Benue State, previously served as governor (1999–2007), senator, and minister before his current role in President Bola Tinubu's administration. His spokesman confirmed the marriage but clarified it occurred over a year ago, with the recent festivities marking her formal welcome into the Dajoh family in Mbakor, Benue State, amid cultural rites.