Veteran actress Sade Aliu has dismissed long-standing rumours of a rift between her late husband, actor Jimoh Aliu, and legendary juju musician King Sunny Ade, describing the claims as false and misleading.
Speaking in a recent interview, Sade clarified that both men shared a close and cordial relationship throughout their lifetimes.
According to her, there was never any misunderstanding between them, contrary to widespread speculation.
She said, “King Sunny Ade and Jimoh Aliu were very close friends. They were always together,” adding that rumours suggesting any form of romantic involvement between the musician and Folake Aremu, popularly known as Orisabunmi, Aliu’s wife, were entirely unfounded.
She stressed that her late husband never accused any of his colleagues or associates of having inappropriate relationships with Orisabunmi, noting that such claims were fabricated.
Beyond addressing the controversy, Sade also offered insight into the late dramatist’s spiritual life, describing him as deeply religious and mystically inclined.
She revealed that Jimoh Aliu maintained a special prayer room where he interceded on behalf of others. According to her, the room was considered sacred, and family members were often instructed to pray there before undertaking significant life events.
“If any of us were about to give birth, he would ask us to go into the prayer room and pray before heading to the hospital. Once we did that, labour would not be difficult,” she recounted.
Sade further disclosed that the late actor had roots in traditional religion and possessed charms inherited from his parents. She noted, however, that he later abandoned these practices after what she described as a deeper understanding of God.
“He had a box where he kept charms, but his boys later threw it away when he realised the greatness of God,” she said.
Highlighting what she described as his extraordinary nature, Sade also recounted unusual circumstances surrounding his birth, claiming that certain objects were found in his hands at birth and had to be forcibly removed.
She concluded by describing Jimoh Aliu as a unique and gifted individual whose life blended artistic excellence with deep spiritual influence.
