Family members, friends, and colleagues of Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi ‘Toluwanisings’ Bolaji have gathered at the Banjola Event and Conference Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, to celebrate his life and conduct his burial services. The ceremony commenced with a lying-in-state from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by a burial service from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The details of the funeral arrangements were shared through a flyer on the singer’s social media, which indicated that the specific location of his burial has not been disclosed. The programme outlined that following the burial service, Toluwanisings’ remains will be interred.
The funeral arrangements come in the wake of a dispute involving his family, wife Elizabeth, and associates regarding the singer’s final resting place. This disagreement arose after the family opted for a burial at his residence rather than a cemetery, which was initially proposed by his wife and associates. The matter gained significant attention on social media, with family members threatening to exhume the singer’s body if placed in a cemetery.
In response to the conflict, the Oyo State Police Command intervened amid allegations of conspiracy and potential unrest. Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka noted that the Commissioner of Police received complaints about the heated exchanges between the parties involved in the burial arrangements.
A peace agreement was later signed by the singer’s wife, his father, and various associates, outlining the need for all parties to maintain decorum and prevent further public disputes.
