Toluwanisings’ death sparks hospital rejection claims and family burial dispute

Late gospel singer Toluwanisings dies after sudden collapse

On Wednesday 14 October 2026, gospel artist Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, known professionally as Toluwanisings, collapsed at his home in Ibadan, Oyo State. He was taken to several hospitals in the city but, according to his personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, he was not admitted to any of them and died before treatment could begin. The assistant said he was taken to as many as seven or eight hospitals, some of which allegedly refused to provide care. He also claimed that doctors were unavailable because of a strike and that some hospitals did not admit the singer at all. The University College Hospital, Ibadan, denied any record of the singer being brought to its facility.

Family dispute over burial arrangements

Following the death, a disagreement emerged between Toluwanisings’ father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, and his widow, Akanbi Elizabeth. The father reportedly wanted the singer buried in the house he had built or in Ikirun, Osun State, beside his late mother. The widow preferred a cemetery or church burial. The dispute has been reported in several outlets but the widow’s full account has not been published.

Grandmother alleges neglect and opposes cemetery burial

Sabitiyu Olayemi, the singer’s grandmother, has publicly alleged that Toluwanisings neglected her for years. She said he had stopped sending her money after giving her occasional financial assistance and that she had not seen him for more than five years. In an interview with journalist Dunmininu in Osun, she claimed that he had never supported her financially after a brief period of aid and that he had not sent her medication or money for medical expenses. Despite her claims, she expressed deep sorrow at his death and said she still considered him her child.

Legal threats from other artists

The controversy has attracted the attention of other gospel singers. Tope Alabi, Ayobami Ajewole (Woli Agba) and Olamide Oladimeji (Dele Omo Woli) have threatened legal action against individuals who have linked them to Toluwanisings’ death. Alabi’s lawyers issued a cease‑and‑desist notice demanding removal of the disputed publications, a retraction and an apology, calling the allegations false and defamatory. Woli Agba and Dele Omo Woli’s solicitors warned social media users against circulating unverified claims about their alleged involvement.

Why it matters

The case highlights challenges in Nigeria’s emergency healthcare system, with reports of hospitals refusing to admit a patient in critical condition. It also raises questions about the handling of burial arrangements for deceased public figures, especially when family members disagree. The legal threats from other artists underscore the sensitivity of defamation claims in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

What happens next

No official medical cause of death has been released, and investigations into the alleged hospital rejections are pending. The family dispute over burial remains unresolved, with no final decision announced. The legal threats from other artists have prompted cease‑and‑desist notices, but no court action has yet been taken.