Gospel singer Damilare 'Dare Melody' Odunuga has shared his thoughts on the harsh treatment his late wife, Adedoyin, suffered from her family.
Dare Melody, who began his career in gospel music in the early 2000s, is known for hit songs such as 'Eru Jeje', 'Ologun Loluwa Ninu Irin Ajo Mi', 'Ologun Loluwa', 'Stop The Storm' and further.
After being together for 16 years, the couple tied the knot in October 2017 at the Ikoyi Registry. They have three daughters.
Dare Melody confirmed that his wife died on October 24 and on Friday, Adedoyin, 47, was buried at Adeyemi Abiona Close, Eruwen Ikorodu, Lagos. Her death occurred more than a year and nine months after she turned 45 and her husband gave her a house.
During his Christian wake held on Friday at his residence, Dare Melody, in his tribute, shared precious memories of his late wife.
In a video posted on Kilarigbo TV's YouTube page on Saturday, he revealed that his relatives' actions posed significant challenges for his late wife.
Furthermore, he described his late wife as a strong pillar of his success and the type of woman anyone could wish to have.
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Dare Melody said: “My family frustrated Adedoyin; I will hug her and tell her, 'Adedoyin, I am the one you married and every time you see me, calm down.' She was there for me whether we had food to eat or not. I remember one day in elementary school when the promoter who brought me out acted like a human being by saying that none of my songs should be played on the radio or in print for almost four years. I couldn't do anything, but my late wife supported me.
“When people celebrated the New Year, I ate cookies with her and our one-year-old daughter. I told the Lord: 'If it is truly you who called me, let the people know that you did so.' God told me he would release an album in 2010, which became 'Goodness and Mercy.' That album revived my career and people began to recognize me. God opened the way for me and I began to build a house. A friend called me and said: 'This woman was by your side; We're going to build her a house,' and I said, 'Everything I have is for her.'”
A mother, not a wife
The father of three maintained that the late Adedoyin was not only his wife but also his mother, adding that if death could be avoided with money, he would have gladly paid any amount for her.
He further recounted the pivotal role of the late Adedoyin in his journey to becoming a successful man.
“When the storm came, it took my loved ones away. Adedoyin and I, her husband, were sincere,” he added.
Recounting the incident that led to his wife's death, Dare Melody explained that it was unexpected.
“Adedoyin and I went to the mountain to pray and I didn't know if she would die that day because God had spoken to me, but I didn't understand the meaning. While we were on the mountain, the light went on and off. Before leaving the house, I told them that I had seen fire but wasn't sure if it was me. The fire burned me. I left the house and ordered them to turn off the light.
“When we were about to pray, she said she needed to go to the bathroom and left. I was not there when Brother Segun came to call me and tell me that Mama Eni (my late wife) needed my attention. I asked him what happened and when we got there, he said we should call the doctor because he had problems with his heart and hands. “I held her and prayed for her, not knowing that this would be the last time I would see my wife,” he added.
The singer added that if he returned to this world, he would remarry Adedoyin (his late wife). He expressed his hope that one day he would be reunited with his wife in the loving presence of Jesus Christ.
In-law challenges
In his tribute, Dare Melody's brother, whose name was not mentioned, recounted how the late Adedoyin's marriage to his brother faced numerous challenges and interference from his in-laws, particularly his relatives.
He shared that his brother's late wife endured significant frustration from her late mother and other family members.
Dare Melody's brother also recalled an incident in Ibadan during his late mother's sister's 50th birthday, providing an example of the family tensions he faced.
He said: “There was a time when our late mother’s sister was celebrating her 50th birthday in Ibadan. We were all there and I saw mom Eni (my late brother's wife) come out with a sad face. She said, 'I know everything will be okay,' but I don't know what happened, even though she made that statement. What our late mother did was gather all her friends and put mom Eni (my late brother's wife) in the center, and they said all kinds of bad things to her.
“When I arrived at the scene, I realized that if the late Adedoyin (my late brother’s wife) returned to Lagos, she would leave my brother’s house. That's why I said that young, single men who are here and are praying for a beautiful woman with a wonderful heart and understanding should pray for someone like her (my late brother's wife). That day, I told mom Eni (my late brother's wife): 'If I were in your place, I would leave this family because what they did to you that day is enough to make anyone leave.'”
He added that the current state of his family was a direct result of the lessons they learned from the challenges Adedoyin faced. Their life and the respect they now have for each other have led to the family's current unity and understanding.
He added that his late brother's wife embodies the qualities that every man seeks: a sincere, hard-working and understanding partner whose presence brought warmth and unity to the family.