Controversy trails Toluwanisings’ death as artistes threaten legal action

The death of Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has continued to generate controversy following allegations of hospital rejection, a reported family disagreement over his burial, and threats of legal action over claims linking other gospel artistes to his death.

DAILY POST reported that Toluwanisings died on October 14, after reportedly slumping at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State. His personal assistant, Babadunni Olayemi, had claimed 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 showing that the singer was brought to the facility for treatment. The hospital also maintained that its services had resumed following the suspension of a warning strike by resident doctors.

The allegations have raised concerns about emergency healthcare delivery in Nigeria, particularly the challenges patients face when seeking urgent medical attention.

The controversy has also taken a legal turn, with gospel singers Tope Alabi, Ayobami Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, and Olamide Oladimeji, also known as Dele Omo Woli, threatening legal action against individuals allegedly spreading claims linking them to the singer’s death.

Alabi’s lawyers issued a cease-and-desist notice demanding the removal of the disputed publications, a retraction and an apology. They described the allegations against their client as false and defamatory.

Similarly, Woli Agba and Dele Omo Woli, through their solicitors, warned social media users against originating or circulating unverified claims about their alleged involvement in the death.

Their legal representatives cautioned that individuals who repost or amplify defamatory allegations could also face legal consequences, depending on the circumstances.

Another development emerged following reports of a disagreement between the late singer’s father and widow over where he should be buried.

His father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, reportedly expressed a preference for burying his son in the house he built or taking his remains to Ikirun, Osun State, to be laid to rest beside his late mother.

According to the report, the widow preferred a cemetery or church burial. However, her full account of the disagreement was not included in the report.

Despite the growing controversies, the precise circumstances surrounding Toluwanisings’ death remain unclear, with no official medical cause publicly established in the reports reviewed.

The incident has renewed questions about emergency medical services in Nigeria, and prompted calls for better coordination among hospitals and greater accountability in the healthcare sector.

As the family prepares to lay the singer to rest, the hospital allegations, legal threats, and reported burial disagreement continue to attract public attention.