Queen Zaynab Wuraola biography – From Benin royalty to Ooni’s ex-wife. Discover her age, marriages to Senator George Akume, children, humanitarian work, and complete life story.
Who is Queen Zaynab Wuraola?
Queen Zaynab Wuraola, born Zaynab Otiti Obanor, represents one of Nigeria’s most intriguing public figures whose life journey spans traditional royalty, international business, and humanitarian service. Born July 16, 1986, in Edo State, Nigeria, this 39-year-old philanthropist, architect, and entrepreneur has consistently captured public attention through her high-profile marriages, charitable initiatives, and resilient personal transformation.
Descended from the ancient royal bronze casters lineage of the Benin Kingdom, Queen Zaynab’s heritage provided deep cultural roots that later influenced her royal bearing and public presence. Her 17-month marriage to Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, from March 2016 to August 2017, thrust her into Africa’s traditional monarchy spotlight, where she executed royal duties with elegance while championing women’s empowerment causes.
Quick Facts About Queen Zaynab Wuraola
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zaynab Otiti Obanor |
| Royal Title | Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh |
| Previous Title | Olori Wuraola (Queen of Ife) |
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1986 |
| Age (2025) | 39 years old |
| Place of Birth | Edo State, Nigeria |
| Ethnicity | Benin/Edo |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Profession | Architect, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist |
| Current Husband | Senator George Akume (m. 2024/2025) |
| Previous Husband | Ooni of Ife (2016-2017) |
| Children | One daughter (born 2022) |
| Foundation | Queen Zaynab Foundation |
| Notable Award | UN Humanitarian of the Year (2017) |
| Business Base | Doha, Qatar |
Cultural Heritage and Early Years
Zaynab Otiti Obanor emerged from the historically significant Obanor family, deeply connected to the ancient Benin Kingdom’s artistic traditions. Her lineage traces to the royal bronze casters tribe, artisans renowned for creating the famous Benin Bronzes that symbolize African craftsmanship excellence. This heritage instilled cultural pride and artistic appreciation from childhood.
Growing up in Edo State during the late 1980s and early 1990s, young Zaynab absorbed traditional Benin customs while receiving modern education. Her parents ensured she understood both her cultural responsibilities and contemporary opportunities available to educated Nigerian women. This dual foundation shaped her ability to navigate traditional and modern spheres seamlessly.
Her formative years coincided with Nigeria’s economic and political transitions, providing context for her later interest in social development and humanitarian work. The combination of royal heritage and exposure to everyday Nigerian challenges cultivated empathy that would later drive her philanthropic initiatives.
Education and Professional Training
Queen Zaynab pursued architecture and design studies, obtaining professional qualifications that established her technical competence beyond royal or social prominence. Her architectural training developed analytical thinking and project management skills that proved invaluable in her later business ventures and foundation operations.
Her educational background differentiates her from many public figures whose prominence derives solely from marriages or family connections. The technical nature of architecture required rigorous academic discipline, demonstrating intellectual capacity that complemented her social grace and cultural awareness.
This professional foundation enabled her to establish legitimate business enterprises in Qatar, where she operates retail businesses and manages commercial properties. Her success in international business environments validates her capabilities beyond ceremonial or honorary positions.
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As Olori Wuraola, she embodied queenly grace while managing ceremonial responsibilities, cultural events, and public engagements. Her tenure showcased ability to represent traditional institutions with contemporary sophistication, earning admiration for balancing cultural expectations with modern social advocacy.
The marriage attracted extensive media coverage, positioning her among Nigeria’s most recognized queens. She utilized this platform to champion women’s empowerment, children’s welfare, and educational access, establishing the Queen of Ile-Ife Foundation during her royal tenure.
Marriage Dissolution
By August 30, 2017, approximately 17 months after the celebrated wedding, Queen Zaynab confirmed via Instagram that the marriage had ended. Her dignified public statement addressed circulating rumors while maintaining respect for the traditional institution, demonstrating maturity during intense public scrutiny.
She explicitly dismissed allegations of infidelity and infertility, stating simply: “What I can confirm is that the Ooni and I are no more.” Her straightforward approach contrasted with typical scandal-driven narratives, preserving her reputation despite the high-profile separation.
Post-divorce, she reverted to her birth name, Zaynab Otiti Obanor, signaling personal independence and emotional ownership of her identity beyond palace walls. This transition represented not retreat but reinvention, as she relocated internationally to rebuild privately while maintaining public humanitarian commitments.
Life After Royalty: International Chapter
Qatar Business Ventures
Following her royal divorce, Queen Zaynab relocated to Doha, Qatar, establishing successful retail businesses and acquiring commercial properties. Her entrepreneurial success in the competitive Middle Eastern market demonstrated business acumen developed through her architectural background and refined during her royal tenure’s exposure to high-level networking.
She operated luxury retail establishments in Doha while shuttling between Qatar, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates, building an international lifestyle that provided privacy while maintaining business engagement. This period represented personal recovery combined with professional expansion.
Her business operations in Qatar’s sophisticated retail environment required cultural adaptation, financial management, and strategic planning—skills that positioned her as a legitimate entrepreneur rather than merely a former royal consort living on past prominence.
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The birth of her daughter marked emotional fulfillment following her childless marriage to the Ooni. She chose discretion regarding her daughter and the child’s father, protecting their privacy while sharing occasional glimpses of maternal happiness through social media.
Her motherhood journey, achieved outside Nigeria’s intense public scrutiny, allowed her to experience this life milestone authentically without constant media analysis or cultural pressure regarding royal heirs or traditional expectations.
Humanitarian Legacy
Queen Zaynab Foundation
During and after her royal marriage, Queen Zaynab established the Queen Zaynab Foundation, focusing on women’s empowerment, youth development, rural water access, education, and medical aid. The foundation continues operating independently of her marital status, demonstrating genuine commitment beyond ceremonial charity.
Her foundation implemented educational scholarships, healthcare support programs, empowerment initiatives, and community development projects targeting widows, orphans, and underserved populations. During COVID-19 lockdowns, she distributed palliatives, supplies, and financial aid to over 10,000 less privileged Nigerians.
Since February 2017, she has funded neighborhood orphanages and training facilities in Lagos and Benin through the #Forward initiative, creating sustainable support structures rather than one-time interventions.
International Recognition
In 2017, Queen Zaynab received the Humanitarian of the Year award during United Nations Week, recognizing her charitable contributions and social advocacy. This international acknowledgment validated her humanitarian work beyond Nigeria’s borders, positioning her among globally recognized philanthropists.
She serves as ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), promoting women’s and children’s rights, health, and equity across African communities. This role extends her influence beyond financial charity into policy advocacy and systemic change initiatives.
Her dedication to humanitarian causes predated royal prominence and persisted beyond palace walls, establishing authentic commitment rather than image management through strategic philanthropy.
Recent Developments: Marriage to Senator George Akume
The New Union
On December 26, 2025, the Akume Dajoh family announced Queen Zaynab’s marriage to Senator George Akume, Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation. According to family spokesman Abraham Double-d Dajoh, the actual marriage predated public announcement by over a year, suggesting deliberate privacy during courtship and initial marital adjustment.
The announcement welcomed “Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh” into the Dajoh family of Mbakor, Benue State—the traditional seat of Tiv nation leadership. This marriage positions her within Nigeria’s political power structure, potentially influencing her humanitarian work’s scope and governmental access.
Senator Akume, 72 years old in 2025, brings political gravitas as former Benue State Governor (1999-2007), Senator (2007-2015, 2019-2023), and current SGF—one of Nigeria’s most powerful political offices. Their union combines traditional royal heritage, international business acumen, and federal political influence.
Public Response
The marriage announcement generated significant social media commentary, with reactions ranging from admiration for her consistent ability to attract prominent partners to speculation about relationship patterns following multiple high-profile marriages.
Critics noted her marital history—reportedly including previous marriages to former Jigawa State Governor Saminu Turaki and the Arab businessman—questioning longevity prospects. Supporters praised her resilience, grace, and apparent ability to move forward constructively after relationship challenges.
The timing of the announcement during Christmas 2025 season provided festive context while potentially minimizing intense scrutiny compared to other news cycles. Family statements emphasized celebration and support, projecting unity around the union.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
While exact figures remain undisclosed, Queen Zaynab’s net worth derives from multiple sources: retail business operations in Doha, commercial property holdings, entrepreneurial ventures across Middle Eastern markets, and potentially marriage-related financial settlements.
Her architectural qualifications and proven business management suggest sustainable income streams beyond reliance on marital support. The successful establishment of luxury retail operations in Qatar’s competitive market indicates substantial financial acumen and capital access.
Her humanitarian foundation operations, while charitable, also demonstrate capacity to mobilize resources, manage complex projects, and maintain international partnerships—skills translatable to profitable business contexts.
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Her 2025 New Year message reflected on “the mercy of God that has carried us through both trials and triumphs,” acknowledging life’s challenges while emphasizing resilience and gratitude. She expressed hope for “courage to face new challenges, adventures that excite our spirits, and possibilities that inspire us to dream bigger.”
These statements reveal someone who views life as continuous evolution rather than static achievement, embracing change as opportunity rather than failure when relationships or circumstances shift.
FAQs About Zaynab Wuraola
1. How old is Queen Zaynab Wuraola? Born July 16, 1986, Queen Zaynab is 39 years old as of 2025.
2. Who is Queen Zaynab currently married to? She is married to Senator George Akume, Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation, as announced December 26, 2025.
3. How long was Queen Zaynab married to the Ooni of Ife? Her marriage to the Ooni lasted approximately 17 months, from March 2016 to August 2017.
4. Does Queen Zaynab have children? Yes, she has one daughter born in 2022 from her relationship in Qatar.
5. What is Queen Zaynab’s profession? She is a trained architect, entrepreneur with retail businesses in Qatar, and prominent philanthropist.
6. What humanitarian work has Queen Zaynab done? She founded the Queen Zaynab Foundation focusing on women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and received the UN Humanitarian of the Year award in 2017.
