The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has married Queen Zaynab Otiti-Obanor, former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

The marriage was confirmed by a member of the Dajoh family of Benue State, Abraham Double-d Dajoh, in a Facebook post on Friday. He described the union as a joyful moment for the family.

“We, the entire Dajoh Family, happily join our daddy, uncle and brother, His Excellency, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume Jugu Dajoh, in welcoming his new and uncommon wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, into the Dajoh family,” the post read.

The statement also appreciated Akume’s supporters and urged them to continue standing by him, welcoming Queen Zaynab to Benue State, Mbakor—the traditional seat of the Tiv nation—and the Dajoh family.

Akume’s spokesperson, Yomi Odunuga, confirmed the marriage when contacted on Friday. However, he clarified that contrary to reports suggesting the wedding took place on December 24, the marriage is over a year old.

“I can confirm the marriage. However, contrary to the rumour that it was formalised in Gboko on Christmas Eve, the marriage is actually over a year old,” Odunuga said.

Queen Zaynab, formerly known as Olori Wuraola, was previously married to the Ooni of Ife, a union that lasted 17 months.