The death of Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has sparked controversy over alleged hospital rejection, threats of legal action by fellow gospel artistes and a reported disagreement within his family over his burial.
Toluwanisings reportedly died on October 14 after slumping at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.
His personal assistant, Babadunni Olayemi, had alleged that efforts to save the singer involved taking him to between seven and eight hospitals, some of which allegedly failed to provide treatment.
However, the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, said it had no official record indicating that the singer was brought to the facility for treatment. The hospital also stated that its services had resumed after resident doctors suspended their warning strike.
The conflicting accounts have drawn attention to questions about access to emergency medical care and the challenges patients may encounter when seeking urgent treatment.
Gospel artistes threaten legal action
The controversy has also prompted legal warnings from gospel singers Tope Alabi, Ayobami Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, and Olamide Oladimeji, also known as Dele Omo Woli.
The artistes have threatened legal action against individuals allegedly circulating claims linking them to Toluwanisings’ death.
Alabi’s lawyers reportedly issued a cease-and-desist notice demanding the removal of the disputed publications, a retraction and an apology. They described the allegations against the singer as false and defamatory.
Similarly, Woli Agba and Dele Omo Woli, through their solicitors, warned social media users against originating or sharing unverified allegations about their alleged involvement in the death.
Their legal representatives also cautioned that people who repost or amplify defamatory claims could face legal consequences, depending on the circumstances.
The legal threats follow growing public discussion of the circumstances surrounding Toluwanisings’ death. However, the allegations against the artistes have not been established by the information available in the reports.
Family reportedly disagrees over burial arrangements
A separate controversy has emerged over where the late singer should be buried.
His father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, reportedly wants his son buried at a house he built or taken to Ikirun, Osun State, to be laid to rest beside his late mother.
The report said the singer’s widow preferred a cemetery or church burial.
The available account did not include the widow’s full explanation of her position, and the circumstances surrounding the reported disagreement remain unclear.
Cause of death remains unclear
Despite the public attention surrounding the case, the reports reviewed did not establish an official medical cause of Toluwanisings’ death.
The allegations of hospital rejection also remain contested, with UCH denying that it has an official record of the singer being brought to the facility.
As the family prepares for his burial, questions surrounding the reported difficulties in obtaining emergency care, the legal threats and the family’s burial plans continue to generate public discussion.
