Why I married Akume – Ooni’s ex-wife Zaynab finally spills

Zaynab Ngohemba, former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has opened up on her marriage to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, explaining the values that brought them together.

Zaynab, formerly known as Zaynab Otiti Obanor and also referred to as Olori Wuraola during her time in the Ife palace, spoke through a statement issued by her media aide, David Adeoye.

The couple, who quietly tied the knot in 2025, have since attracted widespread attention across Nigeria’s political and social circles.

According to the statement, the marriage is anchored on maturity, shared purpose and mutual understanding, rather than personal reinvention or public display.

“It is a partnership shaped by maturity, shared purpose, and an understanding that personal stability strengthens public duty,” the statement read.

Zaynab said the union represents the coming together of two individuals already committed to public service, stressing that their marriage reinforces shared values such as humility, discipline, empathy and responsibility.

“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,” she said.

Adeoye added that the marriage comes at a time when Nigerians are demanding integrity, compassion and humanity from public office holders, noting that the couple’s relationship reflects those ideals.

“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 shared values,” the statement added.

Zaynab was previously married to the Ooni of Ife in a traditional ceremony held in March 2016. The marriage ended in 2017 after about 17 months.