Activist Aisha Yesufu’s husband Aliu Yesufu has revealed that he has learnt to accept his fate that his wife is more popular than him and gets more attention.
Mr Yesufu said at a symposium held in Abuja on Friday that young people, colloquially called Gen Z, usually ask him to step aside so they could take photos with his wife.
The symposium was held to celebrate the 70th birthday of Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili, husband of former minister of education, Oby Ezekwesili.
“When I married Aisha, she was in her 300 level. Nobody knew her then. She was timid and used to be afraid of speaking in public,” Yesufu began.
“Wherever she went to speak, I would be the one to read the speech and would always explain to her the way to go about it until she got used to it.
“A man shouldn’t use his authority all the time even if his religion permits it. He shouldn’t be seen competing with his wife. Usually, we want to be the ones dishing out commands and watch women carry them out. This is perhaps why most of the wars reported in history are caused by men.”
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Yesufu however admitted that people’s perception about his wife changed when she delved into the world of activism and her anti-corruption crusade.
He noted that at a point, his family, friends and associates often call to ask how he copes with her at home.
“Pastor Chinedu and I belong to the same club. Our wives are popular than us and we have accepted that. And just like him, I still call my wife baby too. We know men have egos and may find it intimidating to marry women like Aisha or Ezekwesili.
“Have you ever been asked to step aside because somebody wants to take a photograph with your wife? Seriously, that is my lot. It is really laughable and in most cases, it is the Gen Z that does that most.
“To many, they have that notion that no woman, more so a married one, should be seen doing what Aisha is doing. At one point, my family and friends used to call to ask how I coped with her. But I told them it is not a difficult thing,” he said.
