Mariam Anako: 5 things you didn’t know about the new wife of the Ooni of Ife

The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, introduced his new wife, Mariam Anako, on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at his palace, in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The Ooni’s new wife was welcomed into the palace after brief rites had taken place at the entrance of the premises. Below are a few things you might not know about the new Queen.

1. Mariam Hails from Kogi State

The new Queen is a native of the Ebira ethnic group in Kogi State, Nigeria. Although her actual age remains unknown at press time, she is believed to be in her 40’s.

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2. A Top Executive in an Oil Firm

Prior to her marriage to the Ooni, Mariam worked as a high-flying top management executive (an administrative manager) in an oil and gas firm that is reported to be NestOil.

NestOil operates in the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning sector (EPCC). Reports have it that the Queen earned a whopping sum of N15 million/annum as salary in her role.

3. Lost her Dad at a Young Age

It is reported that Mariam was only a little girl when she lost her father. Her mother took up the role of both father and mother and ensured little Mariam didn’t lack parental care.

However, she had to seek fatherly care elsewhere when the time came.

4. Mariam Grew up under a Former Police Chief

Mariam spent a large chunk of her formative years growing up in the home of one-time Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dikko. She had this rare privilege because her mother is a retired police officer.

Interestingly, Mariam’s family has a lot of influential personalities. Her elder sister, Medina Anako, is a lawyer and businesswoman who also doubles as the special adviser to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state on intergovernmental affairs.

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5. She’s Ooni’s Fourth Wife

The Yoruba tradition forbids the Ooni of Ife from having only one wife. One reason is that such a wife might become as powerful as the Ooni himself; another reason is to prevent the traditional ruler from engaging in illicit romantic affairs outside that might bring disrepute to the kingdom.

Mariam Anako is the fourth wife the 47-year-old incumbent Ooni of Ife would have after he parted ways with his erstwhile wife, Prophetess Naomi Ogunwusi, in December 2021.