Even after his passing, Gbenga Adeboye is without a doubt the most well-known and respected radio host in Yoruba territory. On September 30, 1959, the legend was born in Ode Omu, Gbongan, Osun State, Nigeria, into a Christian family. He described in several of the narratives that make up his autobiography how he was knowledgeable about both Islam and Traditional religions. And his records clearly show this. In his self-description, he said that he was a man who decided to integrate Islam, Christianity, and Traditional beliefs in order to receive particular honor in heaven.
He was a man who accurately and precisely quoted passages from the Bible, the Al-Qur’an, and the Oracle, so no explanation was necessary. Despite the fact that he was born by a general supervisor of a church, it was said that these quotes gave him the 3-1 moniker Alhaji, Pastor, Oluwo. The late Adeboye began his career in radio as a freelance presenter for Radio Lagos. There, he hosted the popular show “Funwontan,” which became a favorite of his Yoruba listeners in 1981.
“Give it all to them,” or “Funwontan,” was later renamed “Gbenga Adeboye in the Mix” on Lagos State’s Radio Lagos and “Gbenga Adeboye in the House” on Ogun State Broadcasting Organization’s OGBC.
He recorded over nine albums and distributed them on tape while he was working tirelessly on these radio shows. These albums included Ph.D. Beetle, Orosunkunnu 1 & 2, Funwontan 1 & 2, linle Or Láti Ori Ité Mimo 1 & 2, Versatility, London Yabis, Aiyetoto, Supremacy, and Controversy. There were too many names for him. Despite being born Elijah “Nurudeen” Oluwagbemiga Adeboye, he went by so many names that it was hard to remember them all.His achievements in humor and music led to the names. Funwontan, Alhaji Pastor Oluwo, Abefe, Jengbetiele, Alaye mi Gbengulo, One Man Battalion, Arole-Abija of his Area, etc. are a few names among them.
Gbenga’s life is comparatively full of adjectives; occasionally, one wonders how one could possibly fit them all in a lifetime. Not only was he a comic, humanitarian, activist, orator, master of ceremonies, prophet, humorist, and entertainer; in actuality, he was also the father of stand-up comedy in Nigeria. Through all of his creations, jokes, and radio shows, he used his gifts to spread the gospel of democracy and humanity throughout Nigeria. He was a living, breathing library of government, including its history, activities, laws, policies, and both positive and negative aspects.
The moniker “Mr. Funwontan,” which he acquired from the aforementioned program, rose to fame prior to the rise of the comedy industry. Speaking in the voices of his fictional characters—the most well-known of whom are itù Bàbá ita and Láisí Abesupinle —Gbenga was able to speak in the voices of up to eleven distinct persons! In his 28-minute recording titled “ifé and Modakeke,” he traced history, pinpointed causes, and presented “solutions” to the ifé/Modakeke dispute.
Later on, this mediation was also referred to as “Pa ogún, pa ôtè of Yorúbá” (great mediator of Yorúbá). He also brought up the Offa/Erín-Ilé property dispute from 2001. One of his many remarkable qualities is his ability to keep himself well-informed on events, particularly in the Yorubá states. He was practically a news source in his own right and no broadcaster has such notoriety, respect, and verbosity up till now. He became a “prophet” since many of his prophecies were either realized while he was still living, realized after his passing, or are still unfulfilled.
There are several predictions he made, even during his lifetime, that are usually more accurate than educated guesses. The most significant of these, which even caused some of his supporters to question, was General Diya’s release from Oputa Panel custody (under the General Sanni Abacha government). There were psychological and bodily consequences to his activism. He related his own experiences dealing with supernatural powers.
Furthermore, despite the lack of any documented physical assaults, he was given a firewall. A line of assault was created by terrified individuals, peers, and “affected” individuals. Both in life and in death, he was regarded as a giving and easygoing individual. The underprivileged did wait for him on his program days in OGBC, as he acknowledged in his “After Heaven” CD, he never disappointed any of them. Among them, Idowu Philips (Màmá Rainbow) is noteworthy since she claimed the late broadcaster purchased her first automobile.
The life of Yinka Ayefele would also be incomplete without Gbenga, who benefits from his kindness.
But according to his brother, “Gbenga Adeboye’s biggest error was his carefree nature.” Many saw “Alaye mi Gbengulo,” as his admirers nicknamed him, as a mentor. Those who think highly of him include: Abbey Fagboro, Yinka Ayefele, Ojopagogo, Ereke ni Soobu, Bashir Adisa, popularly known as Baba Gboin, Fathia Balogun (a Nollywood actress who gained notoriety for her dance appearance in one of his music videos), etc. Wednesday remains a mystery to him as well. In her album “Omo Májèmú,” which translates to “Convenant Child,” Seun Adeboye’s sister described how he spent his life before being well-known and how Wednesday held special meaning for him.
She claims that Benga Adeboye was born on Wednesday, September 30, 1959; on that same Wednesday, he started attending school, made his first trip to the United States, and appeared on his first radio program. Wednesday, April 30, 2003, marked his second death, and on Wednesday, May 14, 2003, he was laid to rest. He passed away twice, following his first passing, he told stories of his encounters in “paradise” and his adventures with death. As was to be expected, his stories aroused debates. He claimed that after passing away, he saw God.
Adeboye said he was ordered to be buried with his Bible and hymn book and that he had been returned back to earth by God to accomplish what needed to be done. On April 30, 2003, Olugbenga passed away, leaving the Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly Yorúbá, in deep sadness. Crowds from all around South-West Nigeria turned out in candlelit processions to show their love and respect for him.
