Shepherd Itunu, fiancé of late Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba, has denied allegations linking him to her death, saying he had no involvement in the circumstances surrounding her passing.

Itunu, who spoke in an interview while responding to allegations circulating on social media, said Osoba was his fiancée and that they had been in a relationship for about two years. He clarified that they were not legally married, although he said members of her family were aware of the relationship.

According to him, they met when Osoba visited him for prayers and later developed a relationship. He also denied claims that he forced her out of their home, saying she left voluntarily.

Itunu alleged that Osoba struggled with drug use, claiming that he repeatedly advised her to stop. He said her alleged drug use became a source of concern for him and members of his church, but added that he could not afford to send her to a rehabilitation facility.

Addressing allegations that he misappropriated money donated to Osoba during her illness, Itunu denied having access to her funds. He said donations, including a cheque reportedly presented by businessman Mike Adenuga, were paid into Osoba’s personal account.

He also rejected allegations that members of his family assaulted Osoba or that he used her money to build his church. Itunu said the couple occasionally supported each other financially and that some jewellery they purchased was later sold to settle bills.

On the day Osoba died, Itunu said she informed him that she was going with a friend to visit Prophetess Kehinde Osoba, whom he described as her adopted mother. He said he called to check on them but later stopped receiving responses.

He said he subsequently received a call around midnight informing him that Osoba had died at a police station and advising him to leave. Itunu said he refused to flee because he had committed no crime.

Itunu also denied claims that Osoba was poisoned at his residence, saying she had left the house about two weeks before her death. He further denied having access to her phone, saying they did not know each other’s passwords.

The fiancé also denied allegations of domestic violence, insisting that he never bullied or assaulted Osoba. He said the allegations against him should be investigated rather than determined through claims circulating on social media.