Popular Isoko musician, Dr. Arube Otor, is gearing up to make a grand impression on January 19 with an extravagant celebration in Uzere, Isoko, Delta State, where he will complete the traditional marriage rites for three of his Isoko-origin wives.
In an interview with Jimitota Onoyume, Assistant News Editor, Otor, known as Isoko Fela for his unique Isoko highlife music, revealed that he chose to host the marriage reception for all three wives on the same day to save costs. He also expressed his desire to use the event as a platform to elevate his fame across the country.
The musician shared that he has two concubines and plans to begin their marriage rites afterwards, bringing his total number of wives to six, with God's blessings.
Already a father of nine, Otor disclosed that his goal is to have 32 children, and he is committed to ensuring that all of them receive a university education.
Excerpt:
I am Dr. Arube Otor, aka Isoko Fela. I’m a well-known Isoko musician, specializing in Isoko highlife music. I reached primary six in my education and was born into a polygamous family.
My father had four wives. Growing up, all of us, the children from different wives, got along well, and we maintained strong relationships with each of our mothers. Polygamy was never an issue in our home, and we continue to share a healthy bond.
Are your children involved in your music career, or are they in school?
No, none of my children are in my music band yet. They are all attending school, and I intend for all of them to become university graduates. My first son, although not my first-born (since my first child is a girl), will be joining the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to pursue a military career.
In Isoko culture, the first son inherits key possessions like my parlour, room, and car, while the daughters receive their share from their mother’s apartment, according to how I’ve structured my house. Each of my wives has her apartment, and their children inherit from their respective mother's portion.
I had two wives previously, but one left. Now, I have one wife, with plans to marry the three I will be celebrating on January 19, making it four in total. I also have two concubines, which will eventually bring my total number of wives to six.
At 53, with four wives and two concubines, do you have the energy to maintain harmony in your household?
I’m fully capable. I don’t eat rice, nor do I use aphrodisiacs or sex-enhancement drugs. I rely on natural food to keep me in good shape and ready to fulfil my responsibilities as a husband. My wives can attest that I visit them regularly—each wife once a week.
I avoid rice because it weakens a man. I’m sure you understand.
I aim to have 32 children, and I won’t rest until I achieve this goal. I believe God will bless me with them.
How do you maintain peace between your wives and concubines?
I ensure that my wives do not fight amongst themselves. If issues arise, they bring them to me, and I settle the disputes. If two wives have a problem, I gather the others to witness the resolution so they can learn from it.
Are your wives involved in your music band, or do they have other roles?
My wives have their businesses. None of them play music with me. The eldest is a hairdresser, the second is a caterer, and the third is a trader at the market. The youngest one is also a hairdresser.
My two concubines have their occupations as well. One is a nurse in Warri, while the other is a butcher in Oleh, where she is the Chairperson of the Butchers Association.
Is any of your wives more educated than you?
No, but I suspect the youngest wife, who is 28 years old, may have completed secondary school. Women often keep certain things to themselves, but she reads and writes well.
How do you navigate love among your wives?
Each of my wives is unique in her way. The 28-year-old loves me the most, but it’s difficult to love all equally. I try to be fair, but I have my preferences. However, I won’t share all my feelings on this.
What is your religious belief?
I practice idol worship, specifically worshipping Igbe. One of my wives shares this belief, while the other three are Christian and attend church.
Can you tell us more about the preparations for the traditional marriage reception on January 19?
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria will be in charge of the music for the event. All logistics for refreshments have been arranged. It’s going to be a grand occasion. As I mentioned, I’ve already paid the bride prices, and we have been living together for some time. The ceremony itself is just a formality.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0