Angola’s most famous polygamist, Francisco Tchikteny Sabalo, who died of prostate cancer last week, was laid to rest in the capital city, Luanda at the weekend.
Sabalo, who was also known as Pai Grande, or Big Dad, was a popular polygamist, who fathered 281 children and had 47 wives. He is survived by 42 wives (seven left the marriage), 156 children, 250 grandchildren and 67 great-grandchildren.
A dedicated family man and respected personality in his community, Sabalo or Pai Grande, was in his early 70s, at the time of his death after more than a year long battle with prostate cancer, relatives said.
He had sought treatment in Luanda and elsewhere more than a year ago, but was returned home when his condition worsened to ensure that “if God called him, at least he would die beside the children and their mothers,” one of his sons said.
The deceased was buried at a cemetery dedicated to his family.
Eva Domingos Bartolomeu, first wife of the deceased, said she hoped to keep the family united according to his wishes.
“I will do anything to keep his children fed and okay,” she said.
The large family primarily relies on farming for survival with three of her daughters studying medical sciences and two sons learning computer science.
Angola law prohibits polygamy although it is widely practised.
The case is similar to Kenya’s Ancentus Akuku, nicknamed ‘Akuku Danger’ who died in 2010 after marrying more than 100 women and numerous children.
