Gospel singer Toluwanisings buried at Ibadan residence after family dispute

By Adejayan Gbenga

Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has been laid to rest at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, following weeks of disagreement among his family members over his final resting place.

The gospel artiste was buried on Monday, November 9, 2026, in a private ceremony attended by family members. The burial followed a funeral service held at Banjola Event and Conference Centre, Alakia, Ibadan.

His burial brings an end to the dispute between his widow, Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola, and his paternal relatives over where his remains should be interred. While his paternal family initially favoured Ikirun, Osun State, his widow and associates were involved in discussions over the final arrangements.

The disagreement attracted public attention and eventually prompted the intervention of the Oyo State Police Command, amid tensions between the parties over the appropriate burial location.

However, on November 3, representatives of the parties signed a peace undertaking at the police command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, agreeing to maintain peace and avoid actions capable of escalating the dispute.

In a statement following the agreement, the police command said the parties had undertaken to maintain peace, conduct themselves properly and refrain from any action that could lead to a breach of the peace. The intervention paved the way for the resolution of the disagreement.

The family subsequently agreed to bury the singer at his Ibadan residence, where his widow and children live. The burial was held privately after the funeral service on Monday.

Toluwanisings, who was known for his energetic worship ministrations and inspirational gospel songs, died on October 14, 2026. He gained recognition in the Nigerian gospel music community through songs such as A Very Big God, attracting tributes from fans and fellow gospel artistes following his death.