The family of late Nigerian comedian and broadcaster Gbenga Adeboye has called for DNA tests to establish the paternity of his widow Omolara’s three children, reopening a long-running dispute more than two decades after his death.
Titiansloaded reports that the demand followed claims by Adeboye’s sister, Sayo Adeboye, that the comedian allegedly told a close associate during his final illness that Igwe was his only biological son.
Sayo made the allegation during an interview on Baba Olomi TV, alongside another sister, Seun, as they responded to accusations previously made by Omolara.
She challenged the widow to make the children available for DNA testing, although no scientific evidence has been presented to support the allegation.
The dispute intensified after Omolara appeared on the Kasnaty Show, hosted by broadcaster Kolawole Adejojo, where she accused her late husband’s relatives of abandoning her after his death and interfering with his property.
She specifically alleged that Femi, Adeboye’s brother, took documents relating to a house built by the comedian and later claimed to have handed them to the family head.
Omolara also alleged that Femi visited a herbalist in Ibadan to obtain charms against her. She rejected claims that she remarried after her husband’s death, saying she remained unmarried and struggled with depression following the loss.
Adeboye’s sisters, however, disputed her account and raised allegations about events during his final illness. Sayo claimed that Omolara once brought an Islamic cleric to perform a ritual involving a hen, blood and a black substance.
She also alleged that Omolara gave the comedian tea while he was receiving treatment in hospital, despite medical advice. Sayo questioned the authenticity of letters presented by the widow during her interview, saying they appeared unusually well preserved.
Seun further alleged that valuables were removed from Adeboye’s home while family members were at the hospital. She also dismissed claims that her brother belonged to the Ogboni fraternity or engaged in fetish practices.
Responding to accusations that she failed to care for her husband, Omolara said she arranged for a man identified as Festus to take him to hospital after he initially resisted treatment.
She maintained that she visited and looked after him but was not informed when he was moved to another hospital.
The comedian’s son, Igwe, also defended his mother, saying she experienced depression after his father’s death and remained in the family home to mourn him.
The allegations from both sides remain disputed, with no DNA results or independent findings presented to establish the claims.
Adeboye, popularly known as Funwontan, was born on September 30, 1959, in Ode-Omu, Osun State. He became widely known for his Yoruba comedy performances and radio programmes, earning the nicknames Alhaji Pastor Oluwo and Abefe.
He died on April 30, 2003, aged 43, following an illness reportedly linked to kidney disease.
