The remains of Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, will be laid to rest on Monday, November 9, in Ibadan, Oyo State, weeks after his death.
According to a funeral arrangement poster shared on the singer’s official social media page, the lying-in-state will hold between 9 am and 10 am, followed by a burial service scheduled for 10 am to 11 am.
The ceremonies will take place at Banjola Event and Conference Centre, No. 20, Hope Road, Alakia, Ibadan.
Toluwanisings died in the early hours of Wednesday, October 14, 2026. His death was announced by his family in a statement shared on his social media accounts.
The statement identified him as a minister with Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM) and described him as a beloved husband and family member. However, the family did not disclose the cause of his death.
His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from gospel artistes, entertainers, friends and fans, who remembered him for his contributions to gospel music.
The singer was known for his energetic praise sessions and worship songs, which incorporated Yoruba influences and contemporary gospel sounds. Some of his popular recordings include ‘A Very Big God’, ‘Unreserved Praise’, ‘Onibuore’, ‘Eleda’ and ‘I’m Not Alone’.
He also collaborated with gospel artistes, including Tosin Bee and Adeyinka Alaseyori, building a following among gospel music enthusiasts.
However, arrangements for his burial became a subject of public disagreement among members of his family and associates following his death.
The disagreement, which generated exchanges on social media, involved concerns over the proposed burial location and calls by some family members for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Oyo State Police Command subsequently intervened to prevent a breakdown of public peace.
On November 3, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, facilitated a meeting involving the singer’s widow, father, friends and associates at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
The parties subsequently signed a peace undertaking, agreeing to maintain peace and discontinue public exchanges, interviews and social media publications relating to the disagreement.
The intervention followed concerns raised over allegations of conspiracy, defamation and conduct capable of causing a breach of public peace.
Toluwanisings’ death came months after he and members of his music crew survived a road accident involving a fully loaded trailer while returning from a gospel ministration in July.
He shared photographs of the damaged vehicle on social media, describing the incident as one in which his team narrowly escaped being crushed.
His death was widely mourned by members of Nigeria’s gospel music community, with colleagues and admirers paying tribute to his ministry and musical contributions.
Guardian News
