Ex-Husband of Late Gospel Singer Omije Ojumi Breaks Silence on Divorce and Burial Drama
In an exclusive interview, Rotimi William Adeoye, the former husband of the late gospel singer Bunmi Akinaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, has publicly addressed the reasons behind their divorce and the emotional clash with their children during her burial. The revelations come after a viral video from the funeral showed their children rejecting him, accusing him of being an irresponsible father.
Background of the Marriage and Divorce
Rotimi confirmed that he and Bunmi Akinaanu were legally married, with their union beginning in 2006 at the Surulere Registry and later solemnized with a church wedding at ECWA Church in Mushin. The marriage produced two children: a daughter named Jomiloju and a son named William. However, the relationship eventually ended in a legal divorce in 2017/2018.
Speaking from London alongside his first cousin, Kenny Iranloye, in a chat with journalist Sola Sanusi, Rotimi expressed deep hurt over the burial incident and felt compelled to clear the air. He emphasized that the public outburst did not reflect his efforts to maintain a connection with his children over the years.
Reasons for the Divorce
Rotimi cited several factors that led to the breakdown of their marriage. He claimed to have discovered aspects of Bunmi's lifestyle in Nigeria that made him uncomfortable, leading to repeated confrontations and warnings. Despite his efforts, she refused to change, causing a significant crack in their union.
Additionally, Rotimi alleged that Bunmi took their daughter, Jomiloju, to Nigeria three months before she was due to receive her UK residency documents. He explained that his plan was for their daughter to secure her papers first, which would allow him to apply as her dependant and regularize his own stay in the UK. However, Bunmi believed he intended to use their daughter to obtain his papers, divorce her, and marry another woman.
This move, according to Rotimi, left him stranded and forced them to restart the entire UK residency process for their daughter from scratch. He described it as proof that she did not wish him well. Despite this setback, Rotimi eventually obtained his UK papers through other means and finalized the divorce legally in the UK. He has since remarried and is now happily married to another woman.
Relationship with His Children
Rotimi detailed his relationship with his children, highlighting his involvement in their early lives. He revealed that Jomiloju was born in the UK and that he was largely responsible for her upbringing from three months old, as Bunmi returned to Nigeria when her visitor visa was about to expire. Bunmi stayed in Nigeria for six months to renew her visa, during which time Rotimi singlehandedly raised Jomiloju in the UK, despite facing immigration challenges.
He claimed that their daughter lived with him for seven years and that he was very present in her life, with members of his church in London often praising him for his dedication. However, Rotimi alleged that just three months before Jomiloju was due to receive her UK citizenship documents, Bunmi secretly took her to Nigeria under the pretence of attending a vigil. This incident marked the beginning of him being completely cut off from both children.
Rotimi further explained that after the divorce and before Bunmi's death, he made several attempts to reach out and maintain a relationship with his children but was repeatedly shut out. He expressed sadness that his daughter now describes him as an irresponsible father, despite his past efforts.
Birth of Their Son and Further Tensions
Regarding his son, William, Rotimi said the boy was born in the United States on December 25, 2013. When Bunmi informed him of the pregnancy, he immediately began sending money for baby items. She insisted on giving birth in the US, despite his warnings about the high cost, which was approximately $8,000 at the time. Rotimi sent her £7,000 to cover expenses.
He advised Bunmi to stay with his sister, a nurse married to a medical doctor, in the US, but she refused and chose to stay with a friend she met on Facebook. After arriving in the US, Bunmi demanded additional money for a feeding allowance, which Rotimi could not afford after already spending heavily. His refusal led to increased tension between them.
Rotimi claimed that his sister later sent Bunmi $1,500 so she could bring his son to visit family, but she allegedly refused due to Rotimi's failure to send extra feeding allowance. The last time he saw his son was during William's first birthday, when Bunmi brought him to the UK. Rotimi also alleged that on three occasions, he sent money for Bunmi to bring both children to the UK, but she collected the money and never showed up, citing performance bookings in December as an excuse.
He concluded by stating that his family members in Nigeria only saw his children for the first time during Bunmi Akinaanu's service of songs, emphasizing that she never allowed them access while she was alive.
Emotional Burial and Public Reaction
The late gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye, fondly known as Omije Ojumi, was laid to rest in Lagos on Thursday, January 29, 2026, about two weeks after her death. Videos from the burial showed emotional moments as her body was taken to the graveside, with her children, family members, and close friends present to say their final goodbyes.
The scenes touched many Nigerians, who took to social media to share prayers, condolences, and kind words, while also remembering Omije Ojumi for her powerful and soulful gospel songs that inspired and comforted many people. The public drama has sparked widespread discussion about family dynamics and celebrity relationships in Nigeria.
