The remains of Nigerian gospel singer, Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, will be laid to rest on Monday, November 9, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State, weeks after his death.
The burial ceremony is scheduled to take place at Banjola Event and Conference Centre, No. 20, Hope Road, Alakia, Ibadan.
According to the funeral arrangements released on the late singer’s official Instagram page, the lying-in-state will hold between 9am and 10am, while the burial service is scheduled for 10am to 11am.
The funeral announcement carries the inscription, “Forever in our Hearts, always in our Lives.” However, the family did not disclose the specific location where the interment would take place.
Toluwanisings died in the early hours of Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the age of 41. His death was announced by his family through a statement shared on his official social media account.
The statement described him as a beloved husband, family member and gospel minister, while requesting prayers and support for his wife, relatives and loved ones during the difficult period.
The singer’s death came hours after he reportedly ministered at a worship programme, ‘In His Presence’, hosted by gospel singer Bidemi Olaoba in Ibadan.
His passing generated widespread reactions among gospel music lovers, colleagues and religious communities, with many expressing sadness over the loss of the music minister.
However, preparations for his burial were delayed following disagreements between his widow and paternal relatives over where his remains should be laid to rest.
His father, Muniru Olayemi, reportedly expressed a preference for burying him at the house he built or beside his late mother in Osun State.
The disagreement reportedly escalated after members of the family raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death and called for an investigation before the burial could proceed.
The development attracted the attention of the Oyo State Police Command, which intervened to prevent further tension between the parties.
On November 3, the singer’s widow, Elizabeth Damilola Olayemi, his father and other relatives and associates signed a peace undertaking before the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola.
Under the agreement, the parties pledged to discontinue public exchanges, interviews and social media publications relating to the disagreement.
The intervention paved the way for the funeral arrangements to proceed after weeks of uncertainty surrounding his final resting place.
Born on July 8, 1985, Toluwanisings hailed from Ikirun, Osun State. He studied Estate Management and Valuation at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
He was known for energetic praise songs and Yoruba-inspired gospel music. His popular songs include ‘A Very Big God’, ‘Onibuore’, ‘E Lagbara’ and ‘Unreserved Praise’.
He also led Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry, through which he used music and worship to spread Christian messages.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
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