By Habeeb Ibrahim
The family dispute surrounding late Nigerian comedian and broadcaster, Gbenga Adeboye, popularly known as Funwontan, has taken a fresh turn after two of his sisters called for DNA tests to establish the paternity of children linked to the late entertainer.
The sisters, identified as Seun and Sayo Adeboye, made the demand while responding to allegations raised by their brother’s widow, Omolara Adeboye, during an interview on the Kasnaty Show hosted by Kolawole Adejojo on YouTube.
Sayo reportedly claimed that Gbenga, while receiving treatment shortly before his death, told their elder brother, Femi Adeboye, that Igwe was his only biological son.
She, however, said her late brother did not make the alleged revelation publicly, prompting her to demand a DNA test to establish the truth.
According to her, the family wants the biological relationship between the late comedian and the children associated with him to be clarified.
The demand has added another dimension to the renewed disagreement between the comedian’s widow and his relatives, which also involves allegations over his property and the circumstances surrounding his final illness.
Earlier, Omolara had broken her silence on the Kasnaty Show, alleging that her late husband’s relatives took control of some of his belongings and interfered with documents relating to a house he built.
She specifically accused her brother-in-law, Femi, of taking the house documents after the family relocated from their former residence at Olowura.
Omolara alleged that Femi initially promised to return the documents but later told her that he had handed them over to the head of the family.
She also accused him of seeking spiritual powers against her, claiming she was told that charms were prepared to prevent other men from showing interest in her.
The widow further dismissed rumours that she had remarried since her husband’s death, saying she remained unmarried and had struggled emotionally following his passing.
However, Gbenga’s sisters challenged parts of her account during a separate appearance on Baba Olomi TV.
Seun described her late brother as a caring individual and rejected suggestions that he belonged to the Ogboni fraternity or engaged in fetish practices.
Sayo also accused Omolara of disregarding medical advice while Gbenga was hospitalised. She alleged that the widow brought an Islamic cleric from Ibadan to perform a questionable ritual at the comedian’s residence.
She equally questioned the authenticity of some letters presented by Omolara during her interview, arguing that their appearance and condition raised concerns.
The widow, however, maintained that she was actively involved in caring for her husband during his illness. She said she eventually arranged for someone identified as Festus to take him to the hospital after he initially resisted medical attention.
Gbenga Adeboye, born on September 30, 1959, in Ode-Omu, Osun State, rose to prominence through his work with Radio Lagos and the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation.
Popularly called Funwontan, he became one of Nigeria’s recognised Yoruba comedians and broadcasters, celebrated for his distinctive humour and storytelling.
He died on April 30, 2003, aged 43, following an illness reportedly linked to kidney disease.
More than two decades after his death, the renewed family disagreement has brought questions about his paternity, property ownership and final days back into public discussion.
As of the time of this report, no DNA test results have been made public to establish the claims raised by the late comedian’s sister. The allegations against the widow and other family members also remain disputed.
