Famous Nigerian polygamist and Islamic cleric Abubakar Masaba, 87, has divorced 21 of his 86 wives and married yet another, the private Punch newspaper reported Tuesday.
The paper, which brought the polygamist to the limelight three years ago, reported that Pa Masaba, who hails from the northern city of Bida, married his newest wife, Fatimah Abubakar, on Friday in the town.
Masaba said he divorced 21 of his older wives due to ‘acts of indiscipline’ on their part, and denied the allegation that the women were divorced for embracing Western medicine.
“I am a law abiding citizen, so I have never prevented health officials from immunising my children or those with me against child-killer diseases. If I refuse to use Western medicine, it is because of my spiritual belief and the way Allah has been working with me. I bear no hatred or animosity against anybody who takes it,” he was quoted as saying.
Pa Masaba said his latest marriage was ordained by God.
“As you know, I don’t do things without the consent of Allah, I prayed and Allah said she was my wife and I should go ahead before I went ahead and marries her,” he said.
On her part, Fatima said she was ‘fascinated’ by Pa Masaba’s character, humility and behaviour, adding: ‘He is a great philanthropist and a man that is always ready to assist fellow human beings, irrespective of tribe, race or religion. He is my dream of a man, he takes perfect care of his wives and other people living with him.”
The latest marriage marked the 91st time that Pa Masaba will marry.