Gospel music star Omije Ojumi dies at 45 after battling illness

Nigerian gospel music artiste Bunmi Akinnanu Adeoye, popularly known by her stage name Omije Ojumi, has passed away at the age of 45. Born on November 19, 1979, the celebrated gospel musician died late Tuesday night after a prolonged illness affecting her leg.

Omije Ojumi, who left a decade-long career in banking to pursue gospel music, had openly appealed for prayers and divine healing over her ailment. Footage from a 2025 church service at G. F. David Ministries in Ibadan, Oyo State, showed her seated with her leg extended while prayers were offered for persistent bleeding she had been experiencing.

She rose to prominence in the early 2000s, gaining widespread acclaim with her debut album, which inspired her nickname “Omije Oju Mi” (Tears of My Eyes). Her musical repertoire also included popular albums such as Dabira, Alatilehin, Ma Sunkun Mo, and Testimony.

Omije Ojumi studied Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at Lagos State University after attending Lagos State Polytechnic. Her decision to leave the banking sector for music marked a turning point that established her as one of Nigeria’s beloved gospel artists.

Her passing has sparked an outpouring of grief among fans, colleagues, and the Nigerian gospel music community.