Another Marriage Tale Trails Governor Ododo

The expression that love does not cost anything alludes to love’s pricelessness. In Kogi State, this belief may soon fall on its face, with dust in its nostrils, and bystanders pointing fingers in jest, mocking the absolute ludicrousness of it all. To adjust to a more local saying, why always Kogi?

There’s a growing rumour that Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo may soon marry another wife. Against those that might be offended at a new state governor bringing in an additional wife not long after coming into power, the rumour has more sides, including that the supposed wife-to-be is none other than the former First Lady’s sister.

According to the news bearers, Ododo is under a lot of pressure to get wedded to the sister of former Kogi First Lady, Rashida Bello. Initially believed to be Ododo’s latest attempt to please his predecessor and mentor, Yahaya Bello, the rumours now claim that Ododo is being forced into this position.

Multiple reasons have been given for the alleged attempt to impose a second wife on Governor Ododo. The first is that Ododo’s current and only wife, Sefiyah Ododo, is not accomplished in terms of her educational attainment. Therefore, the alleged incoming wife is supposed to fill that position.

Another rumoured reason is to help the former governor, Bello, consolidate his grip on the state. Proponents of this angle argue that Sefiyah would have to relinquish her First Lady title to the new lady, much like every other person gave way for Bello’s relatives and friends to populate Ododo’s cabinet. Bello’s cousin, Ali Bello, who doubles as Ododo’s Chief of Staff, is a case in point.

Additionally, there are speculations that Bello is still residing in the government house while Ododo continues to occupy his former lodging. On the one hand, it is alleged that this is because Bello is being hunted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and uses the presidential suite within Lord Lugard House as a hideout. On another, it is supposed to demonstrate his transcendent status in Kogi.

All in all, things are happening in Kogi. But why always Kogi?