Who is Zaynab Otiti-Obanor? Queen Zaynab Akume Bio: Age, Parents, Net Worth, Husband, Children, Family
Biography
Zaynab Otiti-Obanor is a renowned Nigerian philanthropist, entrepreneur, and social advocate born into the ancient royal bronze casters lineage of the Benin Kingdom in Edo State.
She briefly served as Olori (Queen) of Ife from 2016 to 2017 as the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, before their marriage ended.
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Recognized for her humanitarian efforts, she was awarded Humanitarian of the Year in 2017 and has founded initiatives like the Queen Zaynab Foundation and the Arab African Economic Development Initiative, focusing on women’s empowerment, youth development, rural water access, and support for underprivileged communities.
A global figure with interests in cultural and economic alliances, she continues to champion social causes while building businesses internationally.
As of late 2025, she has entered a new marriage with Nigerian politician Senator George Akume.
| Nigerian philanthropist, entrepreneur, and social advocate | |
| Queen Zaynab Akume | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Wuraola Zaynab Otiti-Obanor |
| Stage Name: | Queen Zaynab Akume |
| Born: | 16 July 1986 (age 39 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Benin, Edo State, Nigeria |
| State Of Origin: | Edo State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Education: | N/A |
| Height: | N/A |
| Parents: | Anthony Obanor, Grace Otiti-Obanor |
| Siblings: | N/A |
| Spouse: | Ibrahim Saminu Turaki (div.), George Akume (m. 2025), Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (div.) |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | Not Dating |
| Children: | 1 |
| Occupation: | Philanthropist • Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth: | $50 million-$150 million (USD) |
Early Life & Background
Queen Zaynab Akume was born Wuraola Zaynab Otiti-Obanor on July 16, 1986, in Edo State, Nigeria, specifically within the historic Benin Kingdom in the area of modern-day Benin City.
Raised in a prestigious Edo (Bini) family from the renowned Obanor lineage of ancient royal bronze casters—artisans historically linked to the Benin monarchy—she grew up immersed in the rich cultural traditions of discipline, respect, and community service that define the region.
Her parents, Chief Anthony Obanor and Mrs. Grace Otiti-Obanor, provided a nurturing environment rooted in Benin heritage, emphasizing family ties and cultural pride. Though details about her siblings remain private, her upbringing in this artistic, royal-connected family instilled a deep sense of philanthropy and responsibility toward underprivileged communities from an early age.
As a Christian, Zaynab‘s faith has influenced her personal reflections and humanitarian outlook, often expressed through acts of gratitude and service.
Her formal education, while not publicly detailed, supported her professional development as an architect and designer, likely including studies in Nigeria or internationally, complementing the strong cultural foundation from her Benin roots.
This early life in the Benin Kingdom profoundly shaped her values, paving the way for her later roles in philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and social advocacy.
Career
Queen Zaynab Otiti-Obanor has built a diverse career spanning entrepreneurship, philanthropy, social advocacy, and international economic collaboration.
With a background in architecture and design, she has applied her professional training to business development, particularly through successful retail enterprises in Doha, Qatar, where she has established a strong global presence.
Her business leadership extends to her role as founder of the Arab African Economic Development Initiative (AAEDI), an organization designed to strengthen diplomatic and commercial relationships between Middle Eastern Arab nations and African countries.
Under her guidance, AAEDI has supported economic partnerships and policy dialogue across more than 30 countries, emphasizing youth empowerment, small-business expansion, and sustainable development.
Her philanthropic focus is most visible through the Queen Zaynab Foundation, which delivers long-term support to underserved communities.
The foundation champions initiatives that include women-led enterprise programs, scholarship funding, medical outreach, and clean water solutions, such as solar-powered borehole systems, through its Water for Wellness project. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization reached thousands of vulnerable households in Nigeria with essential financial and material assistance.
Her humanitarian work has earned international recognition, including a Humanitarian of the Year honor in 2017 during UN General Assembly Week. She has also served as an ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund, advocating for the protection and advancement of women and children.
Zaynab remains active in global development efforts, focusing on social welfare, rural advancement, educational opportunities, and leadership programs that uplift marginalized communities.
A consistent commitment to economic progress and social impact across Africa and the broader international community defines her career.
Social Media
- Instagram: Queen Zaynab (@hhzaynab)
Personal Life
Queen Zaynab Otiti-Obanor was born on July 16, 1986, making her 39 years old.
Her marital history has attracted significant public attention through media reports and social commentary. She was first married to Ibrahim Saminu Turaki, former Governor of Jigawa State.
Subsequently, some accounts link her to a wealthy businessman with ties to Dubai or Lebanon. Her most high-profile marriage was her third, to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in a grand traditional ceremony in March 2016.
During this period, she was known as Olori Wuraola, but the union ended after approximately 17 months, with separation confirmed in August 2017. After relocating to Doha, Qatar, Zaynab entered a private relationship widely reported as a marriage to a wealthy Arab billionaire (often described in the media as an “Arab prince“). This union produced her only known child, a daughter born in 2022.
As of late 2025, her current husband is Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) of Nigeria. The marriage, which sources indicate had taken place privately over a year earlier, was publicly announced by the Akume Dajoh family in December 2025, welcoming her as Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh.
Zaynab has one known child: a daughter born in 2022 from her previous relationship in Qatar. No children resulted from her other marriages.
Net Worth
Queen Zaynab Otiti-Obanor‘s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $50 million to $150 million.
This valuation reflects her successful entrepreneurial ventures, including high-end retail stores in Doha, Qatar; leadership of the Arab African Economic Development Initiative, with partnerships across dozens of countries; and substantial personal investments in international business.
Her philanthropic activities—such as distributing tens of millions through the Queen Zaynab Foundation—demonstrate access to significant resources. Her substantial charitable efforts, such as distributing millions in aid through the Queen Zaynab Foundation (including N100 million in COVID-19 relief in 2020).
At the same time, her connections to influential political, royal, and business figures further support a lifestyle and financial capacity consistent with considerable wealth.
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