Elijah Oluwagbemiga Adeboye, affectionately known as Gbenga Adeboye, was born on September 30th, 1959, in Odeomu, Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. His parents, Pa Adeboye and Rebecca Tinuola Adeboye, celebrated the arrival of their baby boy with immense joy. Pa Adeboye was a multi-talented entertainer renowned for his exceptional skills as a singer, comedian, radio presenter, and master of ceremonies. Throughout his illustrious career, he spread joy and laughter, leaving an enduring legacy in Nigeria’s entertainment realm.
Pa Adeboye’s performances were a delightful fusion of music, humor, and charismatic presence, endearing him to countless audiences. His artistic journey flourished, thanks to the unwavering support of his loving wife, Rebecca Tinuola Adeboye. Together, they made a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Nigeria, touching the lives of numerous people with their talent and dedication.
Gbenga Adeboye’s Age:
Today, Gbenga Adeboye would have been 63 years old. May his soul rest in peace.
Gbenga Adeboye Early Life: During his early life, Gbenga Adeboye displayed a precocious nature, often receiving reprimands for his forwardness. As a child, he was the kind who couldn’t comprehend when his mother signaled him with her eyes to be quiet in front of guests. Young Gbenga lacked a filter and fearlessly spoke whatever his eyes observed. This boldness earned him a reputation as the school clown during his time as a secondary school student at Oranmiyan Memorial Grammar School in Ile-Ife.
In the 1970s, Gbenga had a natural talent for humor and could effortlessly extricate himself from trouble, often caused by his own mischievous actions, by cracking jokes. However, making a living from forming and telling jokes, also known as “faabu,” seemed like an improbable prospect at that time.
As he matured, Gbenga’s family decided to send him to Lagos, the big city, to seek a more viable means of livelihood. He secured a job with the Nigerian Airports Authority as a commercial attache. His primary responsibility was to pick up foreign arrivals at the airport, holding placards and announcing their names from a small notepad. This marked the beginning of his journey into the world of entertainment.
Gbenga Adeboye’s Career:
Gbenga Adeboye was a versatile entertainer, showcasing his skills as an orator, comedian, master of ceremonies, broadcaster, and songwriter. His program on Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation earned him the pseudonym Funwontan. When it came to his songs, Gbenga carved his unique style, diverging from the conventional “words and melody” approach.
Between 1990 and 2003, he released six albums, skillfully combining his talent for composing songs and crafting comedy. Through his songs like “Iya” (Mother) and “Yoruba Ronu,” he imparted meaningful messages, while tracks like “London Yabbis” left his fans in stitches. Among his unforgettable characters were Itu Baba Ita and Laisi Abesunpinle, and he was a ventriloquist with the impressive ability to mimic nearly twenty voices during his performances, all done effortlessly. Gbenga adeptly blended his radio career with comedy, often teasing his fans with jokes that he promised to complete on his upcoming albums.
Throughout his life, Gbenga Adeboye was known for his generous and carefree nature. Fondly referred to as Alaye mi Gbengulo by his fans, he served as a mentor to many aspiring entertainers, including Abbey Fagboro, Ereke ni Soobu, Bashiru Adisa (Baba Gboin), and Nollywood actress Fathia Balogun, who gained prominence when she featured as a dancer in one of his music videos.
In her album titled ‘Omo Majemu’ (Convenant Child), Gbenga’s sister, Seun Adeboye, recounted how he lived before achieving fame and how Wednesdays held special significance in his life. It was revealed that Gbenga Adeboye was born on a Wednesday, September 30, 1959; his education began on a Wednesday, he had his first trip to America on a Wednesday, and even his first radio program aired on a Wednesday.
At the time of his birth, he was known as Elijah Oluwagbemiga Adeboye, but as he ventured into the world of humor and music, his names multiplied, making it difficult to keep track of them all. Some of the names he acquired during his exploits are Funwontan, Oduology, Alhaji Pastor Oluwo, Abefe, Jengbetiele, Itu baba Ita, and Alaye mi Gbengulo.
Notably, he was the visionary founder of FIBAN in Nigeria, the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria, an esteemed organization of qualified broadcasters operating independently. His remarkable contributions to the broadcasting industry earned him admiration and recognition.
Gbenga Adeboye also held a unique belief, claiming that he had been sent back to earth by God to fulfill his unfinished mission. He firmly believed that he was divinely instructed to be buried with his Bible and hymn book, an expression of his profound faith and connection to the spiritual realm.
Gbenga Adeboye’s Personal Life:
In 2002, it was reported that Alaye Mi Gbengulo, one of his many monikers, was facing health challenges related to his kidneys. Initially, both he and his associates denied the rumors, but his prolonged absence from his radio shows could not be explained in any other way: he was indeed ill. Though emaciated, he managed to pull through and overcome the difficult period.
However, on the last day of April 2003, Gbenga Adeboye sadly passed away in a Lagos hospital. His passing was a significant event, and his funeral resembled a state event. After being laid in state at the premises of Lagos Television, a multitude of fans and well-wishers followed his body to its final resting place in Akute, Ogun State, to pay their last respects.
Gbenga Adeboye was survived by his wife, Omolara Gbenga Adeboye, and their children, including Damilola Gbenga Adeboye (daughter) and Oladipupo Gbenga Adeboye (son). His legacy as a beloved entertainer, comedian, and broadcaster continues to be remembered and cherished by many even after his passing.
Gbenga Adeboye’s Net Worth:
As of the available information, his net worth remains undisclosed.
Gbenga Adeboye on Social Media:
Information about Gbenga Adeboye’s presence on social media platforms is not provided.
sources :naijalegit.com
