Gospel singer Olayemi Bolaji, widely known as Toluwanisings, was laid to rest at his Ibadan residence in Oyo State on Monday, following a private ceremony attended by a select few guests. The solemn event concluded weeks of public controversy surrounding his final resting place.
PUNCH Online, which monitored the proceedings, reported that access to the singer’s burial site was tightly restricted, with the ceremony intentionally kept away from public view. The atmosphere around the residence was notably quiet, with even immediate neighbors seemingly absent, underscoring the intensely private nature of the interment.
Security personnel were present at the venue, and media access to the burial site was also curtailed. The singer’s remains were first transported from a burial service to his home, where a final viewing took place before he was ultimately interred.
Resolution of Burial Controversy
The private burial came after a significant public disagreement over Toluwanisings’ resting place. His father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, and his widow reportedly held differing views on the matter. Mr. Olayemi had initially expressed a desire for his son to be buried either at the house he built or alongside his late mother in Ikirun, Osun State.
This dispute prompted calls for intervention, leading the Oyo State Police Command to facilitate a resolution. The parties involved had previously signed a peace undertaking, paving the way for the singer’s burial at his Ibadan home.
Circumstances of Death and Public Concern
Toluwanisings passed away in Ibadan on October 14, 2026, after reportedly collapsing. His untimely death generated considerable public concern, particularly following allegations made by his personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo. Gbolabo claimed that several hospitals declined to admit the singer while efforts were being made to secure emergency medical attention.
The gospel minister is survived by his wife and two daughters.