Bello Masaba's Wives Is Increasing By Day, Now Has 97 Wives

[Davo]

OCTOGENARIAN Abubakar Bello Masaba is ready to marry more wives, the Nigerian Compass on Saturday can authoritatively disclose.

Already, the 86-year-old controversial Muslim cleric has increased the number of women in his harem, from the 86 that generated an uproar two years ago, by 11.

Now with 97 wives, the cleric in an interview with the Nigerian Compass on Saturday this week disclosed that he needs more.

His great, great grandfather, who was Etsu Saba, the monarch of his area in Niger State, had 267 wives and over 300, the cleric said.

His 97 wives are not even up to half the forebear, whom Ma'saba said was a well respected Islamic and community leader.

Ma'saba, who has been in a running battle with his neighbours, and the Islamic community for marrying more than four wives, accused his traducers of envy.

Fifty-three of his children have died while 133 are still alive. He also keeps a 5000-man strong army of faithful in his household.

His words: "I will continue to marry more wives as long as I live. There is nothing wrong with that. There is no such law in Islam that says you should not marry more than four wives. My great grandfather married 267 wives and he was respected as a scholar, but I am being singled out for castigation. Surely, I will marry more wives."

On whether he had the capability, both physical and material, to hold such an army of women, he said: "What is capability if not the ability to fend for your family in all ramifications. I am virile and I try to own up to my responsibilities as a family man.

The age of people like me does not weaken our strength. Being able to satisfy so many women, I consider myself special because it takes a special grace to control so huge a harem. Look around, there are not many men who can boast of my potency, commitment and all. So, it is not about the age but special qualities."

Source: Compass Newspapers.