Ruth Matete fondly remembers late husband
By Valerian Khakayi, January 20, 2026Gospel singer and minister Pastor Ruth Matete has opened up about the cherished memories she holds of her late Nigerian husband, Beloved John Olakami Apewajoye.
In a heartfelt reflection posted on her official Instagram account on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Matete shared how his love continues to inspire and comfort her even after his passing.
She also expressed gratitude for the time they shared before his untimely death.
”I carry these memories with gratitude. They don’t pull me back; they remind me of a love that was real. Remembering doesn’t mean I haven’t healed—it means I lived,” Matete wrote.
She added that these memories are a source of strength as she waits for love to find her again.
The mother of one also emphasised that memories are not painful reminders but proof of a deep connection.
“These are the memories I hold close as I patiently wait for love to find me again—if it ever does. And if it doesn’t, I will still be content knowing I was truly and deeply loved at one point in my life,” she added.
“Memories are not wounds—they’re proof of love.”
Reflecting on the tenderness of their relationship, she recalled moments of care and support beyond prayer.
“Meanwhile, he didn’t just lift me up in prayers, as you can see; he used to literally lift me up,” Matete stated.
The 2012 Tusker Project Fame winner was widowed just five months into her marriage.
Apewajoye’s death
Apewajoye was in a tragic fire accident at their home on April 11, 2020.
He was admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for two weeks before he succumbed to fire-related injuries while undergoing treatment.
In a post on social media on November 13, 2022, Matete stated that she felt her late husband didn’t want to fight for his life for the two weeks he was admitted to the hospital before he succumbed to his injuries.
“My daughter’s father died two years ago. While in the ambulance after the accident, he told me he wasn’t gonna make it. I thought it was just fear. So I kept encouraging him that he would be fine
“He told me all he wanted me to do (I felt like it was those Afro-cinema movies). He gave me the name of the baby regardless of the gender. Toluwa is a unisex name. Gave me a message for his sister and brother as well,” Matete wrote.
Adding that;
“God gave him two weeks. In those two weeks, each time I went to visit him, he would ask me “Oh! Am still here? “ It’s like he waited for death. I felt like he didn’t fight to live. But anyway, I will never know fully. I don’t know why I am writing all this to be honest. But maybe I am just thinking about my life. My daughter’s life.”