Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state has said intimidation and humiliation from his Agbaja Unuphu village led his father to marry 30 wives.
This was as the governor coronated his father, Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu, the traditional ruler of the newly created Oferekpe Agbaja autonomous community.
Nwankpu who was said to have married over 30 wives, delisted some from the family for not bearing children, leaving 19 wives. Currently, he has 17 wives and 108 children, 21, including Governor Nwifuru.
The governor explained that his father became wealthy unexpectedly through his hard work as a notable farmer, which led to envy, intimidation, and humiliation from members of the community.
The community, 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.
The coronation ceremony was attended by former governors Sam Egwu, Martin Elechi, and David Umahi, as well as other state stakeholders.
Addressing the crowd, he praised his father’s hospitable nature, noting that he loves his wives, children, relatives, and neighbours.
He highlighted that 21 of his siblings are now graduates.
“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.
The governor urged his father to use his position as a traditional ruler to foster peace, equity, and justice within the community, advising him not to retaliate against those who 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,” Nwifuru said.