The widow of gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has fought back tears while paying tribute to her late husband at a memorial event in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Akanbi Elizabeth delivered the emotional tribute during a night of remembrance held at Jogor Centre on Tuesday, where she struggled to contain her emotions as she reflected on the loss.
Addressing her late husband, she said, “Toluwanisings, my dear husband. I will forever miss you. Please do not forget your children and I.”
Several gospel musicians and entertainers attended the event to honour the deceased, including Adeyinka Alaseyori, Esther Igbekele, Laolu Gbenjo, Akintayo Akinwande, SB Live, Bidemi Olaoba, Mr Gbera, Peterson Okopi and Sarah Apekeola. Actress Bimbo Oshin was also present.
Toluwanisings died in Ibadan on October 14, 2026, after reportedly slumping. His death has since attracted public attention, with concerns raised over alleged difficulties in securing emergency medical treatment, disagreements over his burial arrangements and calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Following the incident, the singer’s personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, alleged that efforts to obtain medical assistance took the singer to between seven and eight hospitals in Ibadan.
The account sparked public concern over access to emergency healthcare. However, the University College Hospital, Ibadan, said it had no record confirming that the singer was brought to its facility.
Meanwhile, a disagreement has reportedly emerged between the singer’s father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, and his widow over where he should be buried.
The father said he wanted his son buried in the house he built or taken to Ikirun, Osun State, where the singer’s late mother was laid to rest.
According to him, the widow preferred a cemetery or church burial ground, while he favoured a burial at the family residence. He also claimed that she was uncomfortable with the idea of living in a house where her husband would be buried.
Explaining his alternative proposal, he said, “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.”
The widow’s account of the disagreement and her reasons for reportedly opposing a home burial were not included in the reports reviewed.
A man identified as the singer’s paternal uncle, Lawal Ademola, also said the family wanted the singer buried at his residence in Ibadan.
The burial dispute has generated mixed reactions on social media, with some questioning the idea of interring someone within a residential property, while others have expressed support for the family’s preference.
Beyond the disagreement over burial arrangements, members of the singer’s paternal family have called for an investigation into his death.
Speaking in an interview with media personality Dunmininu, published on social media, Ademola appealed to the government, community leaders and law enforcement authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the death were properly investigated.
He said, “Please help us, our elders, as we seek a proper investigation into the death of Sodiq. You who are the government, our leaders, and the law, please enforce the law and empower the investigation so that there won’t be biased judgments or victimisation.
“Nobody should interfere or try to cover things up regarding Sodiq, because this has deeply affected us.”
The uncle also urged the family to suspend the planned burial until the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death had been established.
Separately, the singer’s grandmother, Sabitiyu Olayemi, had alleged that he neglected her for years, adding another layer to the family tensions that have emerged following his death.
