Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has been laid to rest in Ibadan, Oyo State. He died in the early hours of Wednesday, October 14, 2026, according to his family, who did not disclose the cause of his death. Toluwanisings was born Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji and hailed from Ikirun in Osun State. He was also a trained estate surveyor and rose to fame with lively praise songs and Yoruba-influenced worship music.
The funeral service for Toluwanisings took place on Monday, November 9, at the Banjola Event and Conference Centre in Alakia, Ibadan. Mourners gathered for an emotional final viewing at his lying-in-state, which began at 9am, followed by the burial service. A video shared on X by Vampz showed mourners filing past his white casket for a final viewing. The funeral took place under tight security, with officers of the Oyo State Police Command stationed at the gate and entrance of the hall.
The burial came weeks after a disagreement between Toluwanisings' widow, Elizabeth Damilola Olayemi, and his family over where he should be laid to rest. At one point, the family demanded an investigation into his death and called for the burial to be suspended. Oyo State Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Abimbola intervened after receiving information about the dispute on October 28, 2026.
The dispute was resolved after Toluwanisings' widow, his father Muniru Olayemi, and his associates signed a peace undertaking before the commissioner on November 3. The family eventually agreed to bury him on his home premises in Ibadan. This brought an end to the weeks-long disagreement that had delayed the burial.
Toluwanisings married his wife in 2021, and the couple had two children. He was known for his lively praise songs and Yoruba-influenced worship music, including "Kos'Oluwa Laye". His death sparked an outpouring of grief across the gospel community, with many fans and colleagues paying their respects.
The death of Toluwanisings also sparked a renewed call for hospitals to be held accountable for delaying emergency care. YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Nigeria's Senate was considering a bill to make hospitals liable for delaying emergency care, which includes jail terms and fines. This followed reports that Toluwanisings was turned away by several hospitals before he died.
Toluwanisings' legacy lives on through his music, which touched the lives of many fans and fellow gospel musicians. His burial marks the end of a difficult period for his family and the gospel community, who had been mourning his sudden death. The event was attended by many who came to pay their respects to the late gospel singer.
Key points
- The funeral service for Toluwanisings took place under tight security in Ibadan, Oyo State.
- A disagreement between Toluwanisings' widow and family delayed the burial, but was eventually resolved.
- Toluwanisings' death sparked a renewed call for hospitals to be held accountable for delaying emergency care.
