“I never abandoned my children” – Omije Ojumi’s ex-husband breaks silence, tells his side of the story

The ex-husband of late gospel singer Bunmi Akinaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, has finally spoken out following the dramatic scenes that unfolded during her burial, where their children publicly disowned him.

In an emotional interview, Rotimi William Adeoye shared his side of the story, explaining the reasons behind his divorce from the singer and the long-standing issues that led to his strained relationship with their children.

Burial Drama Sparks Public Outcry

Drama erupted during Omije Ojumi’s burial when her daughter, Jomiloju, openly accused her father of being irresponsible.

The situation worsened when Rotimi attempted to approach the children, but his son reportedly refused to acknowledge him as his father.

The moment, captured on video, quickly went viral and triggered intense reactions online, with many Nigerians condemning Rotimi without hearing his side.

“We Were Legally Married” – Rotimi Clears the Air

Speaking in an interview with Legit journalist Sola Sanusi, Rotimi revealed that he and Bunmi Akinaanu were legally married. According to him, they wed at the Surulere Registry in 2006 and later held a church wedding at ECWA Church in Mushin.

The marriage produced two children — Jomiloju and a son, William. Rotimi confirmed that the union later ended in a legal divorce finalised in the United Kingdom.

Why the Marriage Crashed

Explaining the reason for their separation, Rotimi said he became uncomfortable with certain aspects of Bunmi’s lifestyle after she returned to Nigeria. He claimed repeated warnings and confrontations failed, eventually leading to the breakdown of the marriage.

He also accused the late singer of secretly taking their daughter to Nigeria just months before she was due to receive her UK residency documents.

According to Rotimi, he had planned to regularise his immigration status by applying as a dependant through their daughter, but Bunmi allegedly believed he intended to abandon her after securing his papers.

“I Raised Our Daughter Alone for Seven Years”

Rotimi stated that Jomiloju was born in the UK and that he singlehandedly raised her from the age of three months until she turned seven.

He explained that Bunmi had returned to Nigeria when her visitor’s visa was about to expire, leaving him to care for the baby alone despite facing immigration challenges at the time.

He added that the turning point came when Bunmi allegedly took their daughter under the pretence of attending a vigil, only to later inform him that she was already in Nigeria with the child.

Being Cut Off From His Children

Rotimi claimed that after that incident, he lost full access to both children. He said repeated attempts to reconnect were blocked and that the burial incident did not reflect his years of effort to stay involved in their lives.

He also noted that members of his church in London knew him as a devoted father who was actively involved in Jomiloju’s upbringing.

Story Behind the Birth of Their Son

Speaking on their son, William, Rotimi disclosed that the boy was born in the United States on December 25, 2013.

He said he sent money for baby items and later paid about £7,000 to cover childbirth expenses, which he claimed cost around $8,000 at the time.

Rotimi said he advised Bunmi to stay with his sister in the US, a nurse married to a doctor, but she declined and stayed with a friend instead. He alleged that further financial demands later caused fresh tension between them.

He claimed the last time he saw his son was during the child’s first birthday in the UK.

Family Cut Off Until Burial

Rotimi alleged that his family members in Nigeria only met the children for the first time during Bunmi Akinaanu’s service of songs, claiming they were denied access while she was alive.

He described the burial confrontation as deeply painful, especially hearing his daughter describe him as an irresponsible father despite his efforts.

Omije Ojumi Laid to Rest

Bunmi Akinaanu, fondly known as Omije Ojumi, was buried in Lagos on January 29, 2026, about two weeks after her passing.

Emotional videos from the burial showed her children, family, and close friends bidding her farewell. Many Nigerians took to social media to mourn the gospel singer, remembering her for her soulful songs that inspired and comforted many.