Why I Married George Akume — Zaynab Otiti-Obanor

Zaynab Otiti-Obanor has explained the reasons behind her recent marriage to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, describing the union as one founded on shared values, maturity, and commitment to public service.

The marriage, reported by SK Blog on December 26, joined Mr Akume and Ms Otiti-Obanor, who was previously married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. That marriage, contracted in 2016, ended in divorce in 2017, after which she reportedly relocated to Qatar.

In a statement issued through her media aide, David Adeoye, and published by THISDAY, Ms Otiti-Obanor said her decision to marry Mr Akume was guided by conviction rather than public attention.

She described the relationship as a partnership shaped by personal stability, shared purpose, and an understanding of the demands of public life. According to the statement, the union offers a narrative centred on service rather than public display.

The statement noted that the marriage does not represent a reinvention of either individual but reflects values they both already uphold, including discipline, humility, empathy, and responsibility. It added that Ms Otiti-Obanor’s work has consistently focused on people rather than titles or positions.

She further explained that the partnership is anchored in mutual understanding and a long-term view of leadership, which she said must be humane, purposeful, and future-oriented. The statement described the union as a reminder that meaningful contributions to society are often made quietly and guided by values rather than validation.

The couple were seen together publicly for the first time during Mr Akume’s 72nd birthday celebrations, which began with a thanksgiving service at St John the Baptist Cathedral in Gboko, Benue State.

During the event, Ms Otiti-Obanor addressed residents in a video that later circulated online, describing herself as connected to Benue through marriage and pledging to support efforts aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

She said she was present not as a visitor but as a daughter of the land by extension, adding that she understood the challenges facing residents and would do what she could to support a return to normal life.

In a separate statement, the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen, said Mr Akume used the occasion to emphasise the importance of accountability at the federal, state, and local government levels as a basis for sustainable national development.

Also speaking at the celebration, Bishop Isaac Dugu of the Diocese of Katsina-Ala, representing Bishop William Amove Avenya of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, described the birthday event as a significant moment for both Benue State and the country.

Meanwhile, Mr Akume’s first wife, Regina Akume, who represents the Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, publicly urged him to reaffirm his Christian faith.

She made the remarks at the wedding reception of their son, Samuel Aondoakura Akume, held in Makurdi. Her comments were later shared on TogetherTV’s Facebook page.

While offering goodwill messages to Mr Akume, Mrs Akume said his rise and achievements were rooted in Christianity. She prayed for his continued good health and clarity of mind, urging him to remain committed to the Christian faith, which she said had guided his journey to national office.