Having more than one wife is part of my Yoruba culture — Nonagenarian Evangelist

The 90-year-old Evangelist Ajetunmobi Somotun of CCC Gracious Cathedral Parish II, Gwagwalada, Abuja, a retired Assistant Chief Tax Officer, speaks to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about his career journey and insights gained from his marriage

How do you feel being 90?

I am the Most Superior Senior Evangelist Ajetunmobi Somotun. I thank God that I have lived to be 90 years old, and soon I will be 91. It is by His grace that I can do whatever I am doing. Most of my peers do not have the opportunities that I have had. I was born on Monday, August 7, 1933, in Sagamu. My father, Pa Sadiku Shomoye, was a farmer from a Muslim background. I was also born a Muslim, but I began attending St. Paul’s school where I studied up to Standard Six. I started schooling late compared to children of today.

I began my education around the age of 13 or 14, but that same year my mother died. So, I was left with my father, who was a farmer. He always took me to the farm, and I have an older brother. One day, when he was about to take me to the farm to help him, my aunt suggested that since I was already in school, he should allow me to finish. I then started living with my aunt.

When I reached Standard 2, I returned to my father’s house. I was the only one living in the house because my father would go to the farm and return after a month or two. My brother was always with my father. On Fridays, I would join them at the farm, which was about seven miles from Sagamu. I would go on Friday after school and return home on Sunday evening with everything I needed for the week — fresh food like cocoyam, garri, and sometimes rabbit. So, when I got home, I would cook and eat.

You mentioned that you didn’t attend school until you were 13 or 14. Why was that?

During those days, children had to go through processes unlike today, where they start school immediately after turning one year old. Education wasn’t highly valued then. Many families relied on their children for help with farming or other tasks. Schooling was also costly, and numerous families couldn’t afford it, prioritising earning a livelihood over education. In those days, we spent around five or six years in elementary school. After completing Standard Six, one could proceed to secondary school. When I finished, I couldn’t gain admission immediately, I had to wait for a year.

After that year, I enrolled in Ijebu Ode Secondary Commercial School, now Adeola Odutola Comprehensive High School. I began Part One in my second year of secondary school after finishing in 1959. In January 1960, I secured employment in a clerical office. I underwent training for nine months, and upon completion, I was assigned to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, marking the start of my career as a civil servant. I commenced working as Assistant Chief Tax Officer with the Federal Inland Revenue Service on January 25, 1960. Our primary duty there was to collect taxes from individuals and registered companies. Over time, I received promotions and was subsequently transferred to Ibadan.

What happened when you arrived in Ibadan?

I spent three years in Ibadan before being transferred back to Lagos, where I was posted to our branch in Yaba. After some years, I was transferred back to the Broad Street office. From Broad Street, I was then transferred to Abuja in 1983.

I was among those who helped open our office in Abuja, specifically in Gwagwalada. We underwent training at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife for six months before focusing on value-added tax.

After the training, I was posted back to Abuja and retired on January 25, 1995, as the Assistant Chief Tax Officer at Level 13. Since retiring, I have lived in Abuja. At the beginning of our interview, I mentioned my Muslim background but I converted to Christianity while in Secondary School, Class 3.

When I arrived in Abuja, there were no churches in Gwagwalada, so I travelled to Suleja for worship. Sometimes I would leave on Friday at noon and return on Sunday or Monday at noon because I live alone without a wife, often staying overnight at the church. Later, two brothers from the church drove a Toyota to Gwagwalada where I lived, intending to establish a church there. However, they eventually left for Lagos due to Abuja being uneventful. Despite this, I felt compelled by the Spirit of God to remain.

I served as the second-in-command at our office in Gwagwalada and retired in 1995 after 35 years of service. I have been leading the church we established with those brothers ever since. CCC Gracious Cathedral Parish II Gwagwalada was founded in 1989, and I have been its head to this day

Why did you convert, and what was your father’s reaction?

My father led a simple life; he did not interfere because he believed Muslims and Christians serve the same God.

 When did you marry, and how did you meet your wife?

I married at the age of 24 and have two wives. I met my first wife in Sagamu. We were both from the same town. I got to know her through her parents since her father and my father were close friends. They knew each other well. It created a bond. From there, I met her, we started talking, and she agreed to marry me. We got married at the Lagos Registry in April 1963.

What attracted you to her?

Primarily, I knew her family well. She led a simple life, and I did not see her as wayward. Our first child attended the University of Ibadan, just like my first son. In total, I have five children. However, I did not stop there. Fifteen years after marrying my first wife, I married another woman.

What led you to make such a decision?

All those times we haven’t been living together, she’s been teaching in our hometown Sagamu while I’ve been in Lagos. She would come to Lagos during the holidays. When I was in Lagos, I travelled to Sagamu every weekend. Anyway, it’s a long story. Along the way, I married another wife, but I thank God that both the first and second wives get along well, and I ensure I treat them both kindly.

Some people believe that as a Christian, you mustn’t have more than one wife. What is your opinion on this?

That’s a biblical perspective, but our culture allows for marrying more than one wife if you can treat them equally. In Yoruba culture, it is acceptable to marry more than one wife if you can provide for them.

What was raising your children from your first and second wives like for you?

There was no difference because the children lived together happily. My wives lived together, and while I was in Abuja, I would come home once every two months.

What are the lessons marriage has taught you, being a polygamist?

I have learnt a great deal from marriage: perseverance and mutual understanding.

How do you create balance in loving your two wives? Do you have a favourite?

If one marries more than one wife and favours one over the other, problems will arise. I have tried to create balance by loving them equally and providing for them. I thank God that both of them are alive.

What would you say are the factors contributing to failed marriages nowadays?

There are many factors contributing to failed marriages today. Civilisation and the influence of friends can play a role. Sometimes, people are unprepared for the realities of marriage due to misleading advice or unrealistic expectations from friends. It is important to be wise and understand that marriage requires perseverance, good communication, and compromise. Trust, respect, and understanding are crucial. Without these, relationships may face hiccups and unhealthy competition. It is also essential to spend quality time together and support each other.

For how long have you been a pastor?

Since 1989, I have been the Most Superior Senior Evangelist of CCC Gracious Cathedral Parish II, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

What morals have you instilled in your children?

I have taught my children the importance of loyalty, standing by family and friends, honesty, respect, kindness, understanding, responsibility, perseverance, compassion, helping others in need, faith in God, and gratitude for His blessings.

What would you say has changed in today’s Nigeria compared to your time?

Current Nigeria is nothing to write home about. It has deteriorated significantly. Even my married sons I always advise them against marrying more than one wife, especially considering the present economic state. Marrying one woman allows them to take care of their children. I wouldn’t advise anyone to marry more than one woman.”

Do you stay alone in Abuja? Who takes care of you?

One of my children, my son, is here with me and has been taking care of me. I am in Abuja because I am committed to the ministry God has entrusted to me.

How do you plan to celebrate your 91st birthday in August?

(Laughs) It won’t be a big party. I had big celebrations at 70, 80, and when I turned 90 last August. I plan to have a thanksgiving service in the church here in Gwagwalada.”

What are you grateful to God for at 90?

At 90, I am more than grateful to God for blessing me with a long and fulfilling life, good health that allows me to enjoy each day, and the love of my wonderful family. I cherish the friendships I’ve made over the years and the countless experiences and memories that have shaped who I am. The wisdom gained from a lifetime of learning and growing is invaluable. I am thankful for the many blessings I have received, including my achievements and the joy of seeing my children and grandchildren grow. Each new day allows me to appreciate the beauty and joy in the world around me.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your pastoral work,?

Establishing and building this Cathedral and receiving tremendous support from the congregants have brought me great joy.

Considering your long career with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, what were the most significant changes you witnessed in the civil service, and what lessons did you learn that could benefit today’s civil servants?

Today’s civil servants show less dedication compared to our time. Punctuality, dedication to work, and fear of God were more prevalent during our service years. I would advise today’s workers to learn from this. Governments at all levels should prioritise workers’ welfare for overall national development.

What were the key factors that helped you balance your work responsibilities and your role as a pastor or senior evangelist before retirement?

Judicious time management was key.

How did you cope with the challenges of being away from your family due to work transfers?

I have been accustomed to it from the beginning, so coping was not difficult for me.

Are all seven children from the two wives?

Yes, the first wife had five children, and the second wife had two.

What core principles do you believe contribute most to a fulfilling and meaningful existence?

To live transparently in all dealings and to fear God.