Wuraola Zaynab: Biography and her Marital Journey from Olori(Queen) to Madam SGF

RexieDecember 27, 2025

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Wuraola Zaynab Biography

Her Highness Queen Zaynab Otiti Obanor, formerly known as Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi, is a prominent Nigerian humanitarian, entrepreneur, and global advocate. Born into the ancient royal bronze casters lineage of the Benin Kingdom in Edo State, her life has been defined by a transition from traditional royalty to international philanthropy and economic diplomacy.

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Early Life and Royal Background

Queen Zaynab was raised within the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom. Her lineage is rooted in the historic guild of bronze casters, a prestigious group responsible for the world-renowned Benin Bronzes. This upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for African culture and craftsmanship, which would later influence her work in promoting cultural and economic alliances between Africa and the Middle East.

Marriage to the Ooni of Ife

In March 2016, she came into the global spotlight when she married His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the 51st Ooni of Ife. The marriage was a significant cultural event, linking the ancient kingdoms of Benin and Ife. As the Olori (Queen) of Ife, she was known as Queen Wuraola and quickly became a figure of grace and influence, often seen accompanying the monarch on official duties and advocating for social causes.

However, the union was short-lived. In August 2017, Queen Zaynab officially confirmed the end of the marriage via her social media, reverting to her maiden name, Zaynab Otiti Obanor. In her statement, she emphasized a journey of “inhaling love and exhaling gratitude,” choosing to move forward with a focus on humanitarian work rather than dwelling on the complexities of the divorce.

Humanitarian Impact and Global Advocacy

Following her departure from the palace, Queen Zaynab pivoted toward large-scale philanthropy. Her work is primarily centered on women’s empowerment, rural development, and the protection of vulnerable groups.

Key Initiatives:

The Queen Zaynab Foundation (QZF): Through this foundation, she has provided scholarships for children from elementary to university levels and rendered medical care to underserved communities.
1in3Africa Campaign: A fierce advocate against domestic violence, she launched this campaign to raise awareness and provide resources for victims of abuse across the continent.
Project SIWAJU: This initiative focuses on economic empowerment, having trained over 8,500 women in artisan trade skills, allowing them to produce high-quality goods from local materials and achieve financial independence.
Water for Wellness: Recognizing the lack of clean water in rural areas, her foundation has implemented solar-powered water systems in various Nigerian communities.

Her efforts earned her the “Humanitarian of the Year” award in 2017 during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) week in New York, and she has served as an ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

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Entrepreneurship and Diplomacy

Beyond her charity work, Queen Zaynab is an astute businesswoman with interests in architecture, design, and international trade. She founded the Arab African Economic Development Initiative (AAEDI), which aims to bridge the gap between Middle Eastern and African economies. The initiative has successfully partnered with over 30 countries to promote cultural and economic exchange.

She spent several years residing in Doha, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where she expanded her business footprint. Reports indicate she has been involved in the hospitality and retail sectors, including collaborations to bring global hotel chains into East and West Africa.

Recent Developments (2024–2025)

In recent years, Queen Zaynab has balanced her private life with her public mission. In 2022, news surfaced that she had welcomed a daughter, Eseosa, in Qatar. She has continued to be a figure of resilience, often cited in Nigerian media as an example of a woman who successfully rebuilt her life and brand independently after a highly publicized royal separation.

Most recently, in December 2025, reports emerged regarding her marriage to Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) of Nigeria. This new chapter in her life continues to keep her at the forefront of Nigerian social and political discourse, as she remains a “global personality” dedicated to rural development and social entrepreneurship.

Wuraola Zaynab Ex-Husbands

The most culturally significant chapter of her personal history was her union with His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife. Married in March 2016 in a ceremony that bridged the historic Benin and Ife kingdoms, she was bestowed with the title Olori Wuraola. This period saw her as a prominent cultural ambassador and a graceful presence beside the monarch. However, the marriage reached its conclusion in August 2017 which she announced herself (ref: Punch Newspaper). In a move characterized by dignity and transparency, the Queen personally announced the separation via social media, stating that she was moving forward with a spirit of gratitude and a focus on her philanthropic mission.

Following her departure from the palace, Zaynab sought a more private life abroad, primarily in Doha, Qatar. During this period of self-reinvention and global business expansion, media reports emerged regarding a subsequent marriage to a Middle Eastern businessman. While she maintained a high level of discretion regarding her private life during these years, this phase was defined by her transition into international economic diplomacy and the birth of her daughter, Eseosa, in 2022.

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Wuraola Zaynab New Husband

As of December 2025, Queen Zaynab has entered a new and highly influential stage of her life. She is now married to Senator George Akume, a towering figure in Nigerian politics who currently serves as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and is a former Governor of Benue State.

This union was brought into the public eye through the Dajoh family (Senator Akume’s kin) in Mbakor, Benue State, who officially welcomed her with the name Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh. While images of the couple celebrating the 2025 Christmas season circulated widely, official representatives clarified that the marriage had actually been formalized over a year prior, initially kept away from the media spotlight to allow the couple privacy.

This marriage represents a significant blending of two worlds: the refined elegance of a woman with deep royal and humanitarian roots, and the administrative power of one of Nigeria’s most seasoned political leaders. It signals Queen Zaynab’s continued relevance not just as a former royal, but as a woman who continues to navigate the complexities of life and leadership with resilience.