Zaynab Otiti-Obanor, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has spoken for the first time about her decision to marry the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
Now known as Zaynab Ngohemba, she tied the knot with Akume in a private ceremony in 2024.
The marriage, recently made public, has sparked widespread attention, largely due to her high-profile personal history.
In a statement released on Wednesday through her media aide, David Adeoye, and published by ThisDay, Zaynab described her union with Akume as one “rooted in maturity, shared purpose and mutual understanding.”
She said the marriage represents the coming together of two individuals already committed to public service, rather than a shift in personal direction.
“It is a partnership shaped by maturity, shared purpose, and an understanding that personal stability strengthens public duty,” the statement read.
Zaynab added that the marriage underscores shared values of humility, discipline, empathy, and responsibility, noting that “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 and a long view of legacy.”
She emphasized that the couple’s partnership embodies a leadership model that balances empathy with authority and service with structure, reinforcing her belief that “leaders who understand humanity govern better, and societies thrive when service is treated as a calling rather than a platform.”
Zaynab’s previous marriage to the Ooni of Ife in March 2016 lasted 17 months, ending in 2017. Her latest union with Akume marks a new chapter in her personal and public life.
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