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Evang. Dr. Dunni Olanrewaju: Life and Legacy of the Icon Behind Opelope Anointing

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Evang. Dr. Dunni Olanrewaju—affectionately known as “Opelope Anointing”—stands as one of Nigeria’s most influential Yoruba gospel artists. For over three decades, her voice has carried messages of faith, hope and worship, blending the heartbeat of traditional Yoruba rhythms with the timeless truths of the Christian gospel.

Early Life and Spiritual Foundations

Born in southwestern Nigeria in the mid-20th century (her exact birth year has not been publicly documented), Dunni Olanrewaju grew up in a devout Christian household where music and worship were inseparable from daily life. The strong Yoruba cultural heritage of her upbringing shaped the sound and language of her ministry. From her earliest years in church choirs, she cultivated the powerful, emotive singing style that would later define her career.

The Path to Ministry and Education

While details of her formal education remain largely private, Olanrewaju pursued theological and ministerial training that prepared her for full-time gospel ministry. In recognition of her contributions to sacred music, she was later awarded an honorary doctorate in gospel music ministry, which earned her the title “Dr.” alongside her evangelical calling.

The Breakthrough of Opelope Anointing

Dunni Olanrewaju’s career reached national prominence with the release of her landmark album Opelope Anointing in the 1990s. The project not only became a best-selling Yoruba gospel recording but also gave its name to her music outfit, Opelope Anointing Music Ltd.

Songs such as “Kabiyesi O Olodumare” became staples in churches and Christian gatherings across Nigeria and in the Yoruba diaspora. Her music is marked by vibrant percussion, call-and-response choruses and lyrics steeped in Scripture, creating a worship experience that is both deeply traditional and unmistakably contemporary.

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Family and Personal Life

Evang. Dr. Olanrewaju has always maintained a private family life, though she frequently credits her loved ones for encouraging her ministry. She speaks of her home as a source of strength and stability that has enabled her decades of musical and evangelical service.

Later Ministry and Enduring Influence

Now a respected elder in Nigeria’s gospel scene, Olanrewaju continues to perform, mentor younger artists and organize Christian events. She is celebrated for keeping Yoruba language and idioms central to her music, proving that indigenous culture and Christian worship can flourish together.

From time to time, social media rumors have falsely claimed her death; as of the latest credible reports, she remains alive and active in ministry, a living testimony to resilience and faith.

Legacy

Evang. Dr. Dunni Olanrewaju’s influence extends far beyond her discography. She opened doors for a generation of gospel musicians to embrace indigenous languages and traditional sounds in worship without sacrificing theological depth. Her name—Opelope Anointing, “all by the anointing”—captures the heart of her ministry: a life and career sustained by divine grace.

Sources:
– Interviews and profiles in Nigerian gospel media outlets (e.g., Punch Nigeria features on Yoruba gospel music, 2016–2022)

– Public statements and archives of Opelope Anointing Music Ltd.

– Archival features on the history of Yoruba gospel music.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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