..Says Spiritual Battles, Allegations Consumed Years After Broadcaster’s Death
Daud Olatunji
The widow of the late Nigerian broadcasting icon, entertainer and comedian, Prince Elijah Gbenga Adeboye, Mrs. Omolara Gbenga-Adeboye, has revealed that she was unable to properly mourn her husband after his death due to what she described as spiritual battles, pressures and unfounded allegations levelled against her.
Mrs. Adeboye made the disclosure on Wednesday during a prayer session held to mark the 67th posthumous birthday of the late broadcasting legend at his residence in Akute, Ogun State.
The event, organised by the Ogun State chapter of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria, also witnessed the unveiling of the renovated graveside of the late broadcaster.
Recounting the difficult years following her husband’s death, the widow said the period she expected to devote to grieving was instead consumed by spiritual struggles and efforts to defend herself against allegations.
“The time I was supposed to use to mourn my husband was spent in prayer sessions against spiritual attacks and defending myself against various unfounded allegations about my personality,” she said.
Mrs. Adeboye said she had yet to completely recover from the shock of losing her husband, whom she described as a loving man with whom she spent her youthful years.
She said the death of the broadcasting icon exposed her to immense pressure from both known and unknown individuals, but added that her faith helped her overcome the challenges.
According to her, she has now decided to leave the painful experiences behind and focus on the future, expressing gratitude to God for seeing her through the difficult period.
The widow also expressed appreciation to the Ogun State FIBAN leadership for renovating her late husband’s graveside, describing the project as a significant gesture that the family could physically identify with.
She recalled her reaction when she returned home and discovered that work was ongoing on the tomb.
“I was very happy the day I returned home and found people working on the tomb. This is the first time the association is doing something in the name of my husband that the family can actually feel,” she said.
FIBAN: We’re Preserving Adeboye’s Legacy
Speaking earlier, the Ogun State Chairman of FIBAN, Chief Olalekan Shoyinka, popularly known as Ayinla Egba, commended Mrs. Adeboye for her resilience and commitment to preserving the family.
Shoyinka described her as a woman who had successfully raised God-fearing and well-cultured children despite the challenges she encountered following the death of her husband.
He explained that the renovation of Adeboye’s graveside was not merely part of the activities marking his posthumous birthday, but a deliberate effort by the association to preserve the memory and legacy of one of Nigeria’s influential broadcasters.
The FIBAN chairman disclosed that the renovation project commenced in April and was completed in July 2026 through financial contributions from members of the association and other well-meaning individuals.
He listed some of the contributors as Dr Sefiu Alao Adekunle; Olalekan Adebayo, popularly known as Ileri-Ayo; Olufemi Oladipo, JP, also known as Femlad; Aare Sunday Ogunsola, popularly called Tantala; Kolawole Adejojo, known as Kasnaty; and Moruph Adegboyega, popularly known as Omo Odo Agba.
Shoyinka thanked Mrs. Adeboye for granting approval for the renovation of her late husband’s graveside.
He also acknowledged the support of the Chairman of the FIBAN National Transition Committee, Mogaji Kola Olootu; National Secretary, Alhaji Gbenga Adebayo-Oladunni, popularly known as Imalian Boy; FIBAN President Emeritus, Comrade Desmond Nwachukwu, and other leaders of the association.
‘I Was Only Four When My Father Died’
The late broadcaster’s first son, Igwe Gbenga-Adeboye, also expressed appreciation to the Ogun FIBAN leadership for recognising and preserving aspects of his father’s legacy.
Igwe disclosed that he was only four years old when his father died, but said the memories of the late broadcaster as a kind and loving father remained with him.
He said he was determined to build on his own talent in football and make his family proud.
“I was only four years old when my father died, but I still have great memories of the good dad he was. I am also trying my best to use my in-born talent, which is football, to make my family proud. I believe that one day, my father will be proud of me wherever he is,” he said.
The event climaxed with the unveiling of the renovated resting place of Prince Gbenga Adeboye, as family members, FIBAN officials, friends and associates gathered to honour the late broadcaster and reflect on his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s broadcasting and entertainment industry.
Adeboye, who became widely known for his distinctive broadcasting style, humour and entertainment programmes, remains remembered by colleagues and admirers as one of the personalities who helped shape indigenous broadcasting and entertainment in Nigeria.
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