Cleric Celebrates Wife’s Remarkable Pregnancy and Birth of 11 Babies
Alfa Yahya Nafiu, a 56-year-old Islamic cleric residing in Ajasse-Cotonou, Benin Republic, recently announced the extraordinary news that his wife, Chognika Latoyossi Alake, gave birth to 11 babies during an incredible pregnancy that spanned from July to August of this year. This remarkable event unfolded in a traditional birth attendant’s home in Porto Novo, Benin Republic, where Chognika delivered her babies between July 7 and August 14, 2024.
Despite the joy of welcoming such a large number of children, Yahya faced deep sorrow as two of the newborns did not survive. He shared the heart-wrenching details of their journey in a phone interview, saying, “Yes, it is true that my wife gave birth to 11 children after a long pregnancy. They include eight boys and three girls. The deliveries took place over two months, with six babies born in July and five in August. Unfortunately, we lost two of them—one from the first group and one from the second. However, I thank Allah that the remaining nine children and their mother are healthy.”
Yahya expressed concern about the financial burdens that accompany such a large family. The costs associated with caring for the babies, along with medical bills and transportation expenses to bring them back to Ilorin, are overwhelming. “One major challenge we face is finding the money for marriage rites, medical expenses, and obtaining a police report. It is a difficult situation,” he explained.
Recognizing the enormity of the circumstances, Yahya has appealed to the Federal and Kwara State governments, as well as generous individuals in the community, for financial assistance. He sees the birth of his children as a blessing from Allah and hopes that others will help him fulfill his parental duties.
The news of this exceptional pregnancy and the subsequent births reached the local community, prompting confirmation from Alhaji Zakariyau Nafiu, the Chief Imam of Iponrin in Ilorin East Local Government Area and Yahya’s elder brother. He stated, “My brother’s third wife, Latoyosi, gave birth to 11 children in Cotonou. Following our traditions, we informed the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and other important figures in our community about this significant event.”
Alhaji Abdulmumini Abdulmalik, the national president of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, also reacted positively to the news. He expressed happiness that an Ilorin native had been blessed with decuplets. “We welcome the decuplets and congratulate the parents on this extraordinary blessing. We rejoice alongside the Emir of Ilorin during whose reign this remarkable event has occurred,” he added.
Abdulmalik urged the government and philanthropic individuals, particularly those within the Ilorin Emirate, to extend their support to Yahya and his family. He emphasized the importance of helping those in need, particularly in times of such extraordinary circumstances.
As Yahya navigates the challenges of his wife’s remarkable pregnancy and the subsequent birth of their 11 children, the support from the community and beyond will play a crucial role in ensuring the family can thrive amidst this significant life change.