Adeyemi Bandele Was the Director of the APEX Black History Museum – Facts about Iyanla Vanzant's Ex-husband

Adeyemi Bandele was the last man that spiritual and relationship advisor Iyanla Vanzant wed before she declared she would never marry again. The former couple tied the knot in the late 1990s and divorced a decade later.

Iyanla Vanzant built a reputation for her wisdom in navigating life's challenges and relationships, but the inspirational speaker and author has had her share of difficulties. She had her first child, Damon, at 16 and married her first husband at 19.

From that union came her late daughter Gemmia. She married Charles Vanzant in 1977 and had another daughter, Nisa. He was allegedly physically abusive toward her, landing her in a hospital at one point.

Iyanla took her children and left one night as Charles slept. She found love once more with Adeyemi Bandele. The couple married in 1997 and had no children, and the beginning of their marriage was blissful.

They led their family life in Maryland, raising their grandson, Oluwa, who was born to Nisa. Iyanla's fame was burgeoning then, which showed whenever she was in public. Adeyemi was proud of her success and considered it a "blessing," but their marriage eventually began unraveling.

Iyanla Vanzant Made a Comment on National TV That Damaged Her Marriage to Adeyemi Bandele

During an appearance on "The Oprah Show," as Iyanla offered relationship advice to the audience, a man claimed that women didn't choose their partners based on looks but rather on whether they had money.

"My man ain't got no money. I love him. He ain't got no money," Iyanla responded, speaking of Adeyemi. She said he insisted the remark never bothered him, but she noticed that he became "very depressed," and other problems in their relationship began to surface.

Adeyemi Bandele Left Iyanla Vanzant for Another Woman

Iyanla and Adeyemi divorced in 2007. Adeyemi filed for their separation after he had found love with another woman, someone Iyanla knew. She was admittedly livid when it happened but was willing to forgive him.

Iyanla felt if she held a grudge, it would have tainted her work as a relationship guru, much like that of Niecy Nash and, more controversially, the late Kevin Samuels. During another chat with Oprah Winfrey, singer Tyrese Gibson, and Rev Run, she declared she would never marry again.

Adeyemi Bandele Is an Advocate for African History Preservation

Adeyemi graduated from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. His current occupation is unknown, but he previously worked as a lecturer and was the Director of the APEX black history museum in Atlanta. In 2020, he participated in fundraising for the International African Arts Festival.

Held in Brooklyn, New York, the event aims to preserve and celebrate the cultural traditions of African people. "I've chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope you'll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me. Every little bit will help me reach my goal," he wrote at the time.

The identity of his spouse is unknown, but she is likely the lady smiling next to him in his current Facebook profile picture. His relationship status on his page indicates he's married and has two sons.

Both are tagged in his profile; one son goes by Lumumba Bandele, and the other goes by Atiba M-q. Adeyemi also linked his niece, Taiwan Graves, to his page. By 2023's end, he would have celebrated his 73rd birthday.