Gbenga Adeboye (30 September 1959–30 April 2003) was a Nigerian comedian, broadcaster, singer, and actor famed for his multi-voiced performances and satirical wit. Known as “Funwontan,” he pioneered Yoruba radio comedy and left an enduring mark on Nigerian entertainment before his untimely death.
GBENGA ADEBOYE PROFILE
| Name | Gbenga Adeboye |
| Real Name | Elijah Oluwagbemiga Adeboye |
| Date Of Birth | 30 September 1959 |
| Date Of Death | 30 April 2003 |
| State Of Origin | Osun State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Comedian, Broadcaster, Singer and MC |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
GBENGA ADEBOYE BIOGRAPHY
Elijah Oluwagbemiga Adeboye, popularly known as Gbenga Adeboye, was born on September 30, 1959, in Ode-Omu, Osun State, Nigeria. He grew up in a traditional Yoruba family where humor, music, and storytelling were part of everyday life. From a young age, Gbenga displayed an extraordinary gift for performance, often entertaining his peers with jokes, mimicry, and witty expressions.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Gbenga Adeboye attended Oranmiyan Memorial Grammar School in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where his flair for entertainment began to blossom. Although details of his tertiary education are not publicly documented, his mastery of language, diction, and social commentary suggested a deep self-education and intellectual curiosity.
CAREER
Gbenga Adeboye’s professional journey began in radio broadcasting with the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Lagos) in the early 1980s. He rose to fame as the host of the popular Yoruba radio show “Funwontan,” a program that later became synonymous with his stage identity. The show blended comedy, music, and satire, making him a household name across Southwestern Nigeria.
Known for his ability to speak and perform in multiple voices, Gbenga created several on-air personas, including Itu Baba Ita, Alhaji Pastor Oluwo, Lasisi Abesupinle, Abefe, and Alaye mi Gbengulo. His creative storytelling and humorous commentaries cut across religion, politics, and everyday Nigerian life.
Aside from broadcasting, he was also a comedian, actor, and musician. Gbenga released numerous comedy albums and songs, many of which were infused with social messages. Some of his notable works include Funwontan, Oro Sunnunkun, Pekuti, and Omo Majemu. He was among the first Nigerian entertainers to successfully merge comedy, poetry, and music into one artistic form.
CONTROVERSIES
Throughout his career, Gbenga Adeboye courted a fair share of controversies due to his boldness in addressing sensitive religious and political topics. His satirical portrayals of religious figures—especially through his characters like Alhaji Pastor Oluwo—sparked debates and criticisms from both Christian and Muslim communities.
There were also rumors about mystical elements in his life, as some fans believed his talents were beyond human comprehension. Gbenga himself often joked about his “spiritual experiences,” including an incident where he reportedly “died and came back to life,” which further fueled myths surrounding his persona.
PERSONAL LIFE
Gbenga Adeboye was married twice—first to Olawunmi Adeboye, and later to Omolara Adeboye. He had children from both marriages, including Segun, Shade, Damilola, and Igwe Adeboye.
Offstage, Gbenga was known for his generosity, humility, and devotion to his family. Those close to him described him as deeply spiritual, disciplined, and passionate about helping others. He maintained a close relationship with his siblings, including his sister Seun Adeboye, who has often spoken fondly about him.
GBENGA ADEBOYE NET WORTH
At the time of his death in 2003, Gbenga Adeboye’s exact net worth was not publicly recorded.
DEATH
Gbenga Adeboye passed away on April 30, 2003, reportedly from a kidney-related ailment. His death was a major loss to the Nigerian entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from fans and colleagues nationwide. He was buried on May 14, 2003, and his funeral drew massive crowds who came to celebrate his life and legacy.
Interestingly, many of the key events in his life—including his birth, death, and burial—occurred on Wednesdays, a fact that has been noted by fans as a mysterious coincidence.