Adeyemi Bandele is an American former lecturer and museum director. He is best known as the ex-husband of Iyanla Vanzant, an author, spiritual teacher, speaker, and TV personality.
Adeyemi and Iyanla married in 1997 and divorced in 2007. He has also been linked with education, African history, and cultural work. Unlike Iyanla, Adeyemi has mostly stayed away from the public eye.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Adeyemi Bandele |
| Reported birthday | November 24, 1950 |
| Reported age | 75 in September 2026 |
| Birth country | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Lincoln University, Pennsylvania |
| Profession | Former lecturer and museum director |
| Other work | Reported businessman and entrepreneur |
| Known for | Being Iyanla Vanzant’s ex-husband |
| Ex-wife | Iyanla Vanzant |
| Marriage | 1997–2007 |
| Reported sons | Lumumba Bandele and Atiba M-q |
| Current wife | Not publicly confirmed |
| Net worth | Not reliably known |
Who Is Adeyemi Bandele?
Adeyemi Bandele became known to the public mainly through his marriage to Iyanla Vanzant.
However, he has also had work of his own. Reports describe him as a former lecturer and businessman. He also reportedly worked as a director of a Black history museum.
Adeyemi has shown an interest in African history and culture. He has also supported cultural programs and fundraising.
There is much less public information about him than about his famous ex-wife.
Adeyemi Bandele’s Age and Birthday
Adeyemi Bandele was reportedly born on November 24, 1950, in the United States.
If this date is correct, he is 75 years old as of September 2026. He will turn 76 on November 24, 2026.
His exact birthplace has not been clearly reported.
Adeyemi Bandele’s Early Life
Very little is publicly known about Adeyemi’s childhood.
Reliable information about his parents and siblings is also not available in the sources reviewed.
His family background and the place where he grew up have not been clearly documented.
Adeyemi Bandele’s Education
Adeyemi reportedly attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.
He graduated from the university, but available reports do not clearly give his degree, subject, or graduation year.
His Work as a Lecturer
Adeyemi has been described as a former lecturer.
However, the available information does not clearly identify where he taught, what subject he taught, or how long he worked as a lecturer.
Some reports also describe him as a businessman and entrepreneur. Details about his businesses are not well documented.
His Work at the APEX Black History Museum
Adeyemi reportedly served as Director of the APEX Black History Museum in Atlanta.
This work connected him with Black history and African American culture.
The available information does not give the exact dates when he worked at the museum.
His Interest in African History and Culture
Adeyemi has also supported work connected with African culture.
In 2020, he reportedly helped raise money for the International African Arts Festival.
The festival is held in Brooklyn, New York. It celebrates African culture and works to keep African cultural traditions alive.
Adeyemi said at the time that the nonprofit’s mission meant a lot to him.
Who Is Iyanla Vanzant?
Iyanla Vanzant is Adeyemi Bandele’s former wife.
Her birth name is Rhonda Eva Harris. She was born on September 13, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York.
Iyanla is an American author, spiritual teacher, inspirational speaker, lawyer, life coach, and television personality.
She became widely known for helping people with personal and relationship problems.
She also worked as a public defender earlier in her career.
Iyanla has written several books about personal growth and spirituality. Her books include Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color, In the Meantime: Finding Yourself and the Love You Want, and Yesterday, I Cried: Celebrating the Lessons of Living and Loving.
She became especially well known as the host of Iyanla: Fix My Life on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
Adeyemi Bandele and Iyanla Vanzant’s Marriage
Adeyemi and Iyanla reportedly married in 1997.
During part of their marriage, they lived in Maryland.
Iyanla’s career was growing at the time. She was becoming better known as an author, speaker, and television personality.
Reports say Adeyemi supported her success and described it as a blessing.
Their marriage lasted about ten years.
The Oprah Show Comment
Iyanla has spoken publicly about problems that developed during her marriage to Adeyemi.
During an appearance on The Oprah Show, a man in the audience discussed whether women choose partners based on money.
Iyanla responded by saying that the man in her own life did not have money but that she still loved him.
According to Iyanla’s later account, Adeyemi said the public comment did not bother him. However, she said she noticed changes in him afterward.
This is Iyanla’s account of what happened. It should not be treated as an independently confirmed reason for their later divorce.
Why Did Adeyemi and Iyanla Divorce?
Adeyemi and Iyanla divorced in 2007.
According to Iyanla’s account, Adeyemi became involved with another woman whom she knew. Reports say Adeyemi filed for their separation.
Iyanla later spoke about being angry over what happened and choosing to forgive him.
These details come from Iyanla’s public account of their relationship.
Did Adeyemi Bandele and Iyanla Vanzant Have Children Together?
There is conflicting information online about this question.
One source claims that Adeyemi and Iyanla had three children: Damon, Gemmia, and Nisa.
However, another source states that Adeyemi and Iyanla did not have children together.
The dates also raise questions about the first claim. Iyanla’s children were born many years before her 1997 marriage to Adeyemi.
Because of this conflict, Damon, Gemmia, and Nisa should not be described as Adeyemi’s biological children without stronger evidence.
Iyanla Vanzant’s Children
Iyanla had three children.
Her son, Damon Vanzant, was reportedly born around 1970. He has kept a fairly private life.
Her daughter Gemmia Vanzant was born in 1972. Gemmia died from colon cancer in 2003.
Iyanla’s other daughter, Nisa Vanzant, was reportedly born in 1974. Nisa died on July 30, 2023, at age 49.
These children were born long before Iyanla and Adeyemi married in 1997.
Adeyemi and Iyanla Helped Raise Her Grandson
During their marriage, Adeyemi and Iyanla reportedly helped raise Iyanla’s grandson Oluwa.
Oluwa is reported to be Nisa’s son.
They were living in Maryland during this period, according to the information available.
Does Adeyemi Bandele Have Children?
There is conflicting information about Adeyemi’s children.
A 2023 report based on his Facebook profile said he listed two sons. Their names were given as Lumumba Bandele and Atiba M-q.
The available information does not clearly identify their mother or give their birth dates.
Because information about Adeyemi’s family is limited, these details should be treated as reported information rather than fully confirmed facts.
Adeyemi Bandele’s Other Family Members
A 2023 report also said Adeyemi’s Facebook profile identified Taiwan Graves as his niece.
There is little other public information about his extended family.
Is Adeyemi Bandele Married Now?
A report published in 2023 said Adeyemi’s Facebook profile listed his relationship status as married.
A woman also appeared with him in his profile photo. However, her identity was not confirmed.
There is no reliable information available here confirming the name of his current wife or whether he remains married in 2026.
Adeyemi Bandele’s Net Worth
Adeyemi Bandele’s exact net worth is not reliably known.
One online source lists his wealth at $2 million and later gives a wider estimate of $2 million to $4 million.
There is no strong financial evidence supporting these numbers.
For this reason, the $2 million to $4 million figure should be treated only as an online estimate, not a confirmed net worth.
Adeyemi Bandele’s Social Media
Adeyemi has reportedly used Facebook.
A 2023 article referred to information from his Facebook profile, including details about his family and relationship status.
His Facebook activity has also been linked with his support for cultural causes.
There is not enough reliable information to confirm other official social media accounts.
What Is Adeyemi Bandele Doing Now?
Adeyemi’s current job is not publicly clear.
His past work includes being a lecturer and serving as Director of the APEX Black History Museum.
He has also been described as an entrepreneur and businessman.
In 2020, he supported fundraising for the International African Arts Festival.
There is not enough reliable information to say what his main job is in 2026.
Interesting Facts
- His full name is Adeyemi Bandele.
- He was reportedly born on November 24, 1950.
- He is American.
- He reportedly attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.
- He has worked as a lecturer.
- He reportedly served as Director of the APEX Black History Museum in Atlanta.
- He has been described as a businessman and entrepreneur.
- He supported fundraising for the International African Arts Festival in 2020.
- He married Iyanla Vanzant in 1997.
- Adeyemi and Iyanla divorced in 2007.
- They reportedly lived in Maryland during part of their marriage.
- They helped raise Iyanla’s grandson Oluwa.
- Stronger information suggests Adeyemi and Iyanla did not have biological children together.
- A 2023 report said Adeyemi has two sons named Lumumba Bandele and Atiba M-q.
- His current spouse has not been publicly confirmed.
- His exact current occupation is unclear.
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