Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, is scheduled to be buried in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, 9 November 2026, following weeks of disagreement between his immediate family, widow and associates over arrangements for his final farewell.
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The burial ceremony, announced through the late singer’s official Instagram account, is expected to begin with a lying-in-state from 9am to 10am, followed by a burial service between 10am and 11am at Banjola Event and Conference Centre, No. 20, Hope Road, Alakia, Ibadan.
The funeral announcement carries the touching inscription, “Forever in our Hearts, always in our Lives”, reflecting the family’s tribute to the gospel minister whose death has generated considerable attention within Nigeria’s Christian music community.
However, the announcement does not specify where Toluwanisings will ultimately be interred.
The burial comes nearly four weeks after the singer died in the early hours of 14 October 2026. His death was announced by family members through his social media account, describing him as a dearly loved husband, family member and gospel singer.
Although tributes followed the announcement, the circumstances surrounding his death soon became a subject of concern, with disagreements emerging between his paternal family and widow over both the proposed burial arrangements and the need for an investigation.
The disagreement became particularly pronounced when Toluwanisings’ father, Muniru Olayemi, expressed opposition to the proposed cemetery burial.
The father reportedly preferred that his son be buried at the house he built in Ibadan or taken to Ikirun, Osun State, where he could be laid to rest beside his late mother.
Speaking during the dispute, the singer’s father explained his preference for the family burial arrangement.
“If they won’t allow him to be buried inside his house, they should bring him down to the village where his mother is and bury him beside her,” he said, according to earlier media reports.
The widow, Elizabeth Damilola Olayemi, reportedly expressed reservations about burying her husband inside their residence, saying she would be uncomfortable continuing to live in a house where her husband had been buried.
The disagreement also extended beyond the choice of burial location. Members of the singer’s paternal family called for an investigation into the circumstances of his death and requested that the planned burial be suspended until their concerns had been addressed.
Earlier reports indicated that the singer reportedly slumped at his Ibadan residence before efforts were made to obtain medical assistance.
His personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, had also made claims concerning difficulties encountered while seeking emergency medical treatment at hospitals.
However, the available reports do not establish an official cause of death or conclusively determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The controversy attracted widespread attention on social media, prompting concerns that the disagreement could escalate further.
In response, the Oyo State Police Command intervened to prevent a breakdown of public order and encourage an amicable resolution.
On 3 November 2026, the singer’s widow, Elizabeth Damilola Olayemi, his father, Muniru Olayemi, and several friends and associates signed a peace undertaking before the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
The agreement followed information received by the police commissioner on 28 October concerning the disagreement between the parties.
According to the police, the undertaking required all parties to maintain peace, avoid conduct capable of causing public disorder and discontinue public exchanges, interviews and publications concerning the dispute.
The agreement also covered statements circulated through social media, blogs, radio, print publications and representatives acting on behalf of the parties.
The police commissioner warned that anyone whose actions amounted to a criminal offence would face arrest and prosecution under the law.
The intervention represented an important step towards reducing tensions surrounding the singer’s final arrangements, although it did not publicly establish the agreed burial location or resolve every question raised about his death.
The latest funeral announcement now provides a scheduled opportunity for family members, friends, colleagues and admirers to gather in remembrance of the gospel singer.
For many of his followers, the occasion will be a moment to celebrate his musical contributions and reflect on the loss of a minister whose songs formed part of their Christian worship experience.
As the family prepares for the ceremony in Ibadan, attention will also remain on whether the burial arrangements proceed peacefully following the recent intervention by the police.
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Toluwanisings’ final farewell comes amid a difficult period for those closest to him, with the hope that the ceremony will allow his loved ones to remember his life and contributions with dignity and respect.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
























