..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.
