Gbenga Adeboye’s widow names former lover amid family dispute

Omolara Adeboye, widow of the late comedian and broadcaster Gbenga Adeboye, has revisited speculation about her relationships after her husband’s death, distinguishing a decades-old rumour from the relationship she says actually happened.

The late comedian, popularly known as Funwontan, was a celebrated Yoruba comedian, musician and broadcaster whose radio programmes made him a household name. Lara said they met in church in 1992, married in 1993 and had three children. He died on 30 April 2003, aged 43, following an illness reportedly linked to kidney disease.

Lara’s comments come amid renewed hostilities between her and the late entertainer’s family. The dispute began after she appeared on the Kasnaty Show and accused her husband’s relatives of abandoning her following his death and interfering with his property.

Renewed feud

Adeboye’s sisters, Sayo and Seun, subsequently responded during an interview on Baba Olomi TV. Among other allegations, they demanded DNA tests for Lara’s three children, claiming their brother had privately identified only one as his biological child. No DNA evidence has been made public to support the allegation.

Against the backdrop of the renewed scrutiny, Lara was questioned about veteran music promoter Gbenga Adewusi, who supported her family after her husband’s death. Their closeness had fuelled rumours dating back more than 18 years that they were romantically involved and planned to marry.

Lara again denied dating Adewusi but disclosed that she had a relationship with Ogun transport union chieftain Lukman Ajuwon.

She said: “I wouldn’t say I was particularly close to Gbenga Adewusi. However, he was there for me when my husband died, even before we buried him. There was this late Ghanaian pastor, Dann, who was an MFM pastor. Whenever he visited for prayers, he said God had raised a helper for our family.

“He also said there would be a war over the helper, but that he shouldn’t worry. He explained that the helper didn’t have to worry because God was protecting him. He added that if it were left to the helper, he would run because of the battles that would be waged against him.”

“A helper”

Lara further explained that Adewusi only acted as a helper but went above and beyond to support her and her children.

According to her, her late husband’s family fought against him, but she thanked God for ensuring that his efforts did not go in vain.

“Despite everything they did to him, he never told me about it. On one occasion, he came into this parlour and kept checking his legs. When I asked him what was wrong, he told me not to worry. It was only later that he revealed that someone had sent an evil arrow after him. I wondered where that could have come from because I knew nothing about evil arrows at the time.

“Adewusi was also the person who informed me that my husband’s family had called a meeting at an office over an issue involving alleged embezzlement in the company. I cannot remember many things now,” Lara noted.

She also dismissed claims that Adewusi spent a night at her home following her husband’s death.

Dating Ajuwon

Lara confirmed that she was in a relationship with Ajuwon, describing him as a dependable partner who stood by her during difficult times and helped meet her children’s needs.

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She disclosed that she remained unmarried after her husband’s death, adding that she would have no reason to feel guilty if she chose to remarry.

Lara said, “Everybody knows Lukman Ajuwon. I dated Lukman Ajuwon, and he stood by me. Although we no longer communicate, he was always pressuring me to marry him. Perhaps he is no longer interested in marrying me. He was a very good man to me. He was God-sent.

“He took care of my children and me and provided everything we needed, down to the last kobo. Whenever I used my own money to pay my children’s school fees, I would collect a refund from him down to the last kobo.”