Inside Nigeria: Man to marry three women in single ceremony

News Update

A 55-year-old Delta State highlife musician, Dr Arube Otor, also known as Isoko Fela One, is set to marry three women on the same day.

The marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 19th January 2025, at the Anglican Church Field, London Base, Uzere Kingdom, in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The musician, renowned for his Isoko highlife music, gained widespread attention after a wedding flier featuring him and his three brides went viral. In the flier, Arube is dressed in identical attire to his three brides-to-be, Oghenekome, Ewoma, and Oghenekaro, all of whom hail from Delta State.

Speaking to journalists, Arube’s foster son and one of the event organisers, Emperor Efih, confirmed the details.

“The ceremony will hold as planned. Initially, there were four women, but one decided to withdraw for personal reasons,” Efih explained.

He also revealed the reasoning behind Arube’s decision to marry multiple wives simultaneously.

“He wanted to cut costs. He had been married to two women 20 years ago, but one divorced him, leaving him with just one wife. Now, he’s decided to take this bold step,” Efih said.

Arube’s musical career spans over three decades.

“He started as a driver who also performed music. Over time, he formed his own band, and since then, he has released more than 10 albums,” Efih added.

The three brides are from different communities within Delta State.

Oghenekome represents Lagos-Iyede in Ndokwa East, Ewoma hails from Oruamudhu in Isoko North, while Oghenekaro is from Uroto Quarter, Ozoro Kingdom, also in Isoko North.

Efih clarified that the relationships with the three women did not develop simultaneously.

“None of them is from the same place, and they didn’t meet him at the same time. Two of them already have a child each with him, while the third is yet to conceive,” he said.

Traditional rites for the three women were reportedly completed on the same day last year. “It was an unusual but joyous occasion for everyone involved,” Efih noted.

Arube’s fame as a highlife musician has earned him a dedicated following in Delta State.

“He’s a legend in this genre of music, and this event is expected to reflect his unique personality and cultural heritage,” Efih remarked.

The wedding promises to be a significant event in Uzere Kingdom, drawing attention to the musician’s personal and professional milestones.