The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, was the proud host of a major family celebration in Benue State this past weekend. His son, Samuel Aondoakura Akume, exchanged marital vows with Deborah Ershima, the daughter of prominent engineer Msula Atoga.
A High-Profile Gathering in the State Capital
The wedding ceremony, held in Makurdi on Saturday, drew an impressive list of guests from across the political and social spectrum. The event underscored the Akume family's significant standing within Nigerian society. Vice President Kashim Shettima graced the wedding reception as the official representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He was warmly received by Senator Akume and the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia.
Attendees described the atmosphere as both warm and dignified, reflecting the solemnity of the occasion. The guest list included close family members, such as the groom's mother, Chief Mrs. Hanmo Dajor, a former wife of Senator Akume, alongside numerous dignitaries who came to celebrate the union.
Continuing a Season of Family Milestones
This wedding adds to a series of recent personal events for the Akume family. It follows closely after the SGF's own marriage to Queen Zaynab Otiti Obanor, also known as Ngohemba. The family had previously celebrated her homecoming to Gboko with cultural festivities.
The union was formally acknowledged by the wider family circle. Abraham Dajoh, a member of the Akume Dajoh family, posted a congratulatory message on Facebook, welcoming Queen Zaynab into the Dajoh family. The post referred to her as an "uncommon wife."
Background and Social Significance
Queen Zaynab, who was previously married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, from March 2016 for 17 months, had later moved to Doha, Qatar. There, she was involved in philanthropy and was linked to a wealthy Arab prince, with whom she had a daughter in 2022. Her relationship with Senator Akume became public during his 72nd birthday celebrations.
The wedding of their son served as more than a family affair; it was a convergence of social and political networks in Benue State. It provided a platform for family, friends, and key political figures to gather, highlighting the interconnected nature of personal and public life for Nigeria's political elite. The presence of the Vice President emphasized the importance of the Akume family within the current administration.
