The Life, Legacy, and Controversy Surrounding Bunmi Akinnaanu (“Omije Ojumi”)

Bunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye, popularly known by her stage name Omije Ojumi a Yoruba phrase meaning “Tears of My Eyes” was a renowned Nigerian gospel singer whose life journey reflected deep faith, personal struggles, musical success, marital turmoil, and a tragic end. Her stage name was inspired by her breakthrough song, which resonated widely with listeners and became central to her identity as a worship minister.

Following her death in January 2026, Bunmi’s life and family became the subject of intense public discussion, particularly due to emotional scenes and disputes that unfolded during her burial. This article presents a full account of her life based on biographies, interviews, family statements, tributes from her children, and public narrations by her former husband. Some details reflect conflicting perspectives, highlighting unresolved family tensions that persisted even after her passing.

Early Life and Background

Bunmi Akinnaanu was born on November 19 (some sources cite November 20) in Lagos State, Nigeria, to parents from Okitipupa in Ondo State. She was the first daughter and second child in her family.

Her early childhood was marked by tragedy. Bunmi lost her mother at the age of four, an event that significantly shaped her upbringing and worldview. She was raised primarily by her father, a man widely described as a strict disciplinarian who emphasized respect, hard work, personal discipline, and privacy. One of his guiding principles to her was: “Don’t share your dreams until they materialize.”

Bunmi grew up in the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA), where her father served as a spiritual anchor in her life. Her strong Christian foundation, nurtured from childhood, later became the defining force behind her music and ministry.

Despite emotional and social challenges, Bunmi pursued her education and discovered a deep passion for music early in life. She began singing in church, later becoming active on social media and leading a music band that ministered at churches and Christian events in Nigeria and abroad.

Music Career and Rise to Fame

Bunmi rose to national recognition around 2004–2005 with the release of her powerful gospel song “Omije Oju Mi” (Omije Ojumi). The song, which expressed pain, perseverance, and unwavering faith in God, struck a deep emotional chord with listeners and quickly became a staple in churches and worship gatherings across Nigeria.

Following this success, she released several other notable songs and projects, including:

• “Otimurewa” (album)
  
  

• “Testimony”
  
  

• “Koto” (Not Enough)
  
  

• “Tujuka”
  
  

• “O Ti Sure”
  
  

• “Samiye”
  
  

Known for her emotional depth, heartfelt lyrics, and intense worship style, Bunmi’s music often drew directly from her personal experiences, especially family struggles, hardship, and faith in Christ. She eventually left a banking career to pursue gospel music and ministry full-time.

Marriage and Family Life

Marriage

Bunmi met Rotimi William Adeoye in the early 2000s while they were both members of ECWA Church. In 2004, Rotimi traveled to the United Kingdom on an invitation visa, during which time they reconnected more closely. Their families formally met for an introduction in Mushin, Lagos, in 2004.

The couple had a court wedding in December 2006 at the Surulere Magistrate Court, followed by a church wedding at ECWA Church, Mushin.

Children

Their marriage produced two children:

• Oluwajomiloju (Jomiloju) – their daughter, born in London, United Kingdom
  
  

• William – their son, born later, possibly in the United States
  
  

Various accounts describe the children as having dual citizenship (British and American), reflecting the family’s international ties.

Breakdown of the Marriage and Conflicting Narratives

Marital challenges reportedly began shortly after the wedding. According to Rotimi Adeoye, a minor disagreement early in the marriage escalated when Bunmi allegedly slapped him, which he described as the beginning of deeper issues. He further alleged that Bunmi engaged in extramarital affairs and eventually relocated the children without his consent.

Rotimi stated that after his UK visa was refused, he became stranded in Nigeria while Bunmi traveled with the children. He claimed the children were taken abroad for over eight years with limited or no access to them, leading to prolonged separation, migration struggles, and custody disputes.

From the children’s perspective, shared publicly through tributes after their mother’s death, Bunmi was portrayed as a mother who raised them almost entirely alone after their father “left.” Jomiloju described her mother as “the best woman in the world,” crediting her for ensuring they attended good schools and for shielding them from mistakes she had made in marriage, finances, and spirituality. Their son also accused his father of abandonment and lack of care.

The marriage ultimately ended in a legal divorce around 2017–2018. Rotimi maintains that he did not abandon the family and claims he provided financial support but was gradually shut out of his children’s lives. He later remarried and has publicly expressed a desire to rebuild a relationship with his children.

Illness and Final Months

In late 2025, concerns about Bunmi’s health became public. Videos circulated online showing her receiving prayers at a church service in Ibadan, appearing visibly weak with a swollen leg and an IV drip attached. Friends, colleagues, and fellow gospel artists publicly prayed for her recovery and appealed for support.

Her condition reportedly worsened in the months that followed. On January 12, 2026, Bunmi Akinnaanu passed away at a hospital in Lagos at the age of 46, after battling the illness. While the exact medical cause was not officially disclosed, multiple reports confirmed a serious leg-related ailment.

Her death was officially announced by fellow gospel artist Ayo Melody on behalf of the family, who requested prayers and privacy.

Burial, Family Disputes, and Public Controversy

Burial Plans and Confusion

Following her death, initial burial plans were announced but later cancelled or postponed, sparking rumors of internal family conflict. Some reports suggested a breakdown in coordination between the burial committee and family members.

Bunmi’s family later denied claims of a crisis or public fundraising, stating that the postponement was for better preparation and inclusion of all relatives, and urged the public to ignore misleading narratives.

Tension at the Burial

On January 29, 2026, Bunmi was laid to rest at Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos. During the burial service, her daughter delivered an emotional tribute, highlighting her mother’s sacrifices and years of single-handed parenting.

At the graveside, tensions escalated when relatives of Bunmi’s estranged husband attempted to connect him reportedly based in the United States with the children via phone or video call. Bunmi’s family objected, arguing that it was inappropriate during mourning.

The situation turned confrontational, with her son openly accusing his father of abandonment. Videos of the clash went viral, drawing widespread reactions online.

Following the incident, Rotimi Adeoye released a multi-part public narration, reiterating his version of events involving infidelity allegations, custody disputes, and separation. Bunmi’s family countered by emphasizing unity and dignity, while her brother-in-law also spoke publicly in her defense.

Legacy

Despite the controversies surrounding her burial and family disputes, Bunmi Akinnaanu (Omije Ojumi) is widely remembered as:

• A resilient gospel singer and worship leader
  
  

• A woman of deep faith whose music brought comfort and hope
  
  

• A mother who made significant sacrifices for her children
  
  

• An artist whose songs continue to resonate in churches and personal devotion
  
  

Her daughter’s emotional singing at the burial became one of the most touching moments of the farewell. While unresolved family pain surfaced publicly, Bunmi’s life remains defined by her faith, music, and enduring impact on gospel worship in Nigeria.