Remembrance: Elijah Oluwagbemiga (Gbenga) Adeboye, A Man Of Many Talents Loved By All

Elijah Oluwagbemiga Adeboye was born on the 30th of September 1959 at Odeomu, Osun State, southwestern Nigeria.

At birth, he was known as Elijah Oluwagbemiga Adeboye, but as at the time of his death, it became difficult to keep track of his names.

The names were as a result of his exploits in humour and music.

Some of the names are Funwontan, Alhaji Pastor Oluwo, Abefe, Jengbetiele, Itu baba Ita, Alaye mi Gbengulo and Apogunpote of Yoruba Land.

Elijah Oluwagbemiga Adeboye was a versatile entertainer, a singer, an orator, a comedian a broadcaster and a songwriter.

Some of his songs did not go the usual ‘words and melody’ way, as he carved his own style of singing. And some of his songs are ijinle oro latori ite mimo, oro sunnukun, pàṣán oro, Funwontan, London yabis, Oduology, Itu baba Ita and many more which he used to educate and entertainment his audience.

Adeboye was a chief host of a popular radio program presented in Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation in the early 1980s where he got the household name Funwontan Oduology He was also described as merchant and performer of traditional Oduology by his fans.

Alaye mi Gbengulo, as he was called by fans, was a mentor to many. Some of those who hold him in high esteem are: Abbey Fagboro, Ereke ni Soobu, Bashiru Adisa better known as Baba Gboin.

The ace broadcaster and master of ceremony hit stardom before comedy became a big industry as it is today.

He died on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 and was buried on Wednesday, May 14, 2003

May his Beloved Soul continue to rest in peace

Source: Afrika Uniqueness (Yoruba)