The Wiki page of the incumbent Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, mentioned in passing that he hailed from a polygamous home. It turns that this is a benign description of a family of a whopping 109 persons!
In a recent media interview, the 49-year-old governor said his father, Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru, had been married to “over 30 wives,” but the number dropped to 19 after some of the wives were delisted from the family for not bearing children.
The older Nwifuru currently has 108 children.
Gov Nwifuru spoke last weekend at the coronation of his father as the traditional ruler of the newly created Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous Community.
Pa Ezekiel initially married over 30 wives, but the number dropped to 19 after some of the wives were delisted from the family for not bearing children.
Of the 19 wives who gave birth to 108 children, the newly crowned traditional ruler is currently staying with 17 of his wives.
Meanwhile, Oferekpe Agbaja, comprising 17 villages, was created this year following a law passed by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly. It was carved out of the Agbaja Community.
Why dad married 30 wives, fathered 108 children -Gov Nwifuru
Gov Nwifuru explained that his 84-year-old father became wealthy unexpectedly through his hard work as a notable farmer, which led to envy, intimidation, and humiliation from members of their Agbaja Community.
The governor said his father was a hard working man who had been sidelined by relatives, neighbours and the entire community due to his success.
He said the discrimination and humiliation prompted his father to marry multiple wives as companions and help in achieving his dreams.
“My father’s decision to marry many wives was influenced by the intimidation and humiliation he endured from villagers in his quest for greatness,” he said.
‘Don’t seek revenge’
The governor urged his father to use his position as a traditional ruler to foster peace, equity, and justice within the community, cautioning him not to retaliate against those who had wronged him in the past.
“Do not use this revered position to seek revenge or perpetuate injustice. Rather, let it be a symbol of unity, fairness, and service to humanity,” the governor admonished.
