Zaynab Otiti-Obanor, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has publicly addressed the reasons behind her recent marriage to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
A Private Union Comes to Light
The marriage, which was a private ceremony held in 2024, recently became public knowledge, sparking widespread interest and conversations across Nigerian social media. The attention stems largely from Zaynab's marital history, which includes previous unions with other prominent national figures.
In a statement released on Wednesday by her media aide, David Adeoye, and published by ThisDay newspaper, the woman now known as Zaynab Ngohemba provided insight into her decision. She framed the union as one "rooted in maturity, shared purpose and mutual understanding."
A Partnership Forged in Service
Zaynab emphasized that her relationship with Akume represents the convergence of two individuals already deeply committed to public service, rather than a change in personal direction for either party.
"It is a partnership shaped by maturity, shared purpose, and an understanding that personal stability strengthens public duty," the statement declared. It further explained, "Their partnership represents the meeting of two lives already devoted to public purpose. It is not a reinvention of either individual, but a reinforcement of shared values: humility, discipline, empathy, and responsibility."
Leadership Anchored in Shared Values
The statement positioned the marriage within a broader context of leadership and public expectation. "At a time when Nigerians increasingly demand integrity and humanity from those in leadership, this union sends a subtle but powerful signal that service is strongest when anchored in personal stability, shared values, and a long view of legacy," it read.
It concluded by underscoring a core philosophy: "Together, they embody a leadership model that values empathy alongside authority, and service alongside structure. Their partnership underscores a simple truth: leaders who understand humanity govern better, and societies thrive when service is treated as a calling rather than a platform."
Zaynab's most famous previous marriage was to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. That union took place in March 2016 and ended after 17 months in 2017.
