Prominent gospel musician Tope Alabi has threatened legal proceedings against a Canada-based cleric, Pastor Tayo Kumuyi, over defamatory social media posts linking her to the death of fellow gospel artist Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, widely known as Toluwanisings.
Through her legal counsel, Oakmount Legal Practitioners, Alabi served a formal cease-and-desist notice demanding an immediate retraction, an unreserved apology, and the complete removal of all malicious publications from the Facebook page operated under the name Pastor Tayo Ministries.
Accusations of Murder and Ritual Interference
According to the legal notice signed by solicitor Toluwanimi Okunade, online posts published between October 20 and October 24 falsely accused Alabi of severe criminal acts, including ritual murder and involvement in the deaths of several gospel ministers. Alabi’s legal team strongly refuted these allegations, clarifying that no law enforcement findings, court decisions, or factual evidence exist to support the claims.
The law firm pushed back against the pastor’s assertion that the accusations were spiritual revelations, describing them instead as a deliberate and reckless campaign of falsehoods designed to exploit public grief. Toluwanisings passed away on October 14, 2026, at age 41, a loss that Alabi had publicly and privately mourned.
Escalating Threats and Cross-Border Jurisdiction
The conflict intensified after Alabi issued a public warning against defamation on October 23. In response, the Facebook page posted a direct message warning Alabi that no legal letter would save her and telling her to leave her hiding place. Her solicitors highlighted this statement as an open declaration of harm and evidence of clear malice.
Addressing the publisher’s reported residence in Canada, the legal team emphasized that international location does not shield an individual from legal accountability. Because the content was published in English and Yoruba to a predominantly Nigerian audience where Alabi resides and works, her personal and professional reputation suffered direct injury within Nigeria.
Strict Demands and 24-Hour Ultimatum
The cease-and-desist letter outlined a final 24-hour deadline for the page operators to satisfy several specific conditions:
- Completely remove all offending posts and cease further publication of similar claims.
- Publish an unreserved written apology and retraction, pinned at the top of the Facebook page for 14 consecutive days.
- Preserve all relevant digital evidence, including drafts, messages, and recordings.
- Disclose any factual material relied upon and confirm whether any reports were made to police authorities.
Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will result in formal court proceedings seeking declaratory relief, injunctions, and substantial general and exemplary damages, alongside reports to Meta Platforms and law enforcement authorities.