Family Halts Burial of Late Gospel Singer Toluwanisings Over Suspicious Demise

​LAFIA — The family of the late popular gospel artist Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, widely known as Toluwanisings, has halted his burial plans, demanding an independent and thorough investigation into the sudden circumstances of his death.

​The singer reportedly slumped and passed away in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 14, throwing the gospel music community and his admirers into profound mourning. However, what should have been a straightforward grieving process has now spiraled into a complex family dispute and a call for public intervention.

​Speaking in an emotional interview with media personality Dunmininu, an uncle of the deceased — identifying himself as the brother to the singer’s father — made a passionate appeal to the federal and state governments, traditional rulers, and religious leaders across Nigeria to help unravel the truth behind the tragedy.

​”We need the help of Nigeria because Sodiq’s death is hurting us,” the uncle stated, referencing the singer’s birth name before his conversion to Christianity. “We need the help of important people, from the government down to religious leaders and traditionalists, to help us find out the true cause of his death. Nobody should plan to bury Sodiq because we are all very hurt, and the entire family has agreed to put his burial on hold until investigation into his death is concluded.”

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​The family has also insisted that the late singer’s remains must be brought to his primary residence in Ibadan, where his wife and children currently reside, rather than being moved arbitrarily.

​This latest development comes on the heels of mounting tensions between the late singer’s immediate family and his widow. Sources indicate that a fierce disagreement has erupted over the final resting place for the artist. While the singer’s father is reportedly pushing for him to be interred at a building project he was undertaking before his demise, the widow is strongly advocating for a cemetery burial.

​As security agencies and community leaders weigh the family’s plea for a formal inquiry, the public awaits further developments to clear the cloud of suspicion surrounding the sudden loss of the celebrated worship leader.