Bunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye, widely known by her stage name Omije Ojumi, passed away on January 12, 2026, at the age of 46.
Following her passing, her family released a statement through Olawale Akinnaanu to announce her death. The statement read:
“With great sadness 💔 😭 we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye OMIJE OJUMI ,passed away on 12th January,2026 at Lagos hospital Nigeria
May God grant her eternal rest
Signed:
Olawale Akinnaanu
For the Family.”
Born on November 19, 1979, she spent the first part of her adult life working in Nigeria’s banking sector. Yet, despite a stable career, she felt a deeper calling that led her to leave banking and dedicate her life to gospel music, inspiring millions across Nigeria with her soulful worship songs.
Her journey into music began early. She was raised in a strict Christian household by disciplinarian parents. Born in a family of six, she discovered her gift for singing around the age of ten, performing in church choirs. Over the years, her voice and ministry grew stronger, eventually leading to her breakout moment with the worship anthem “Omije Ojumi”, which translates to “tears from my eyes” in Yoruba. The song quickly became a favorite in churches and Christian gatherings, touching hearts with its honesty, emotion, and praise-filled lyrics.
Bukunmi Akinaanu was married to Mr Adeoye and had children. Her eldest daughter, Oluwajomiloju, was celebrated for her 10th birthday in 2020, making her approximately 15 years old at the time of her mother’s passing in 2026.
From Banker to Gospel Singer
Bunmi Akinnaanu’s journey to becoming a celebrated gospel singer began in Lagos, where she pursued her education with determination. She earned a National Diploma from Lagos State Polytechnic before moving on to Lagos State University (LASU), where she studied Industrial Relations and Personnel Management. After graduation, Bunmi entered the banking sector, working at institutions including Ecobank and others. While she appreciated the stability and respectability of a banking career, her heart increasingly leaned toward music and spiritual ministry.
Bunmi spent over a decade in banking before she finally heeded what she described as a divine calling, realizing that her true path lay in gospel music. By the early 2000s, she began performing at church events, gradually building her reputation as a singer whose music could move both the spirit and the heart.
Her first major professional project came in 2004 with the album “Ibeere Nla” (“A Great Question”), created in collaboration with the ECWA Yoruba Choir, Mushin. This album featured her breakout hit “Omije Ojumi” (“Tears of My Eyes”), a song that would become her signature worship anthem and earn her the nickname by which she is widely known.
The music video for “Omije Ojumi,” also released in 2004, marked her first visual introduction to the public. Despite the modest production, Bunmi’s dedication shone through, even though she once shared how she borrowed clothes and jewellery to complete the shoot. The video quickly gained recognition, establishing her as a household name in Nigeria’s gospel industry and securing her place as a leading voice in worship music.
Over the years, Bunmi Akinnaanu released several albums and singles, often blending heartfelt worship with testimony. Her major works include “Omije Ojumi,” “Dabira,” “Alatileyinmi,” “Ma-Sunkun-Mo,” “Tujuka,” “Testimony”—which earned her the YOMAFA Best Female Gospel Act award in 2017—and “O Ti Mure Wa.”
Even decades after her first release, she continued producing music; in 2024, she released a solo single titled “Ibeere” (“Question”), a prayerful track asking for divine guidance, distributed across Apple Music and Spotify.
Bunmi’s music resonated far beyond the churches where she first performed. Her soulful voice, emotional worship style, and testimony-driven lyrics allowed her songs to touch listeners across Nigeria and the diaspora. Digital platforms such as Apple Music and SoundCloud helped her ministry reach audiences who might never have heard her live, cementing her legacy as a gospel singer whose music bridged generations.
A Life Tested by Health Challenges
In 2025, Bunmi’s health began to decline. Videos of her at church, struggling with a swollen leg, circulated widely on social media. Many fans were shocked and deeply concerned. Some people debated whether her condition should be addressed more medically or spiritually, reflecting the broader conversation between faith and healthcare in Nigeria. Despite the public attention, Bunmi remained private about the specifics of her illness.
During this period, an old social media post resurfaced in which a netizen claimed to have sent her a warning in 2021 about potential harm or illness. While the prophecy was widely shared online after her health issues became public, Bunmi reportedly dismissed the warning when she first received it, choosing to focus on her faith and music.
Remembering Bunmi Akinnaanu: A Legacy in Worship
Despite the trials, Bunmi’s music continued to inspire and uplift. Her signature song, “Omije Ojumi,” became more than just a hit; it was a prayer, a source of comfort for many who faced their own struggles. She also received recognition from prominent figures in Nigerian spiritual circles, including gifts and support from leaders like Primate Elijah Ayodele, who celebrated her contributions to gospel music.
Her story is one of courage, faith, and dedication. She transitioned from a stable career in banking to follow her calling in music, creating songs that remain in the hearts of believers. Though her life was cut short at 46, Bunmi Akinnaanu leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to resonate in worship halls across Nigeria and beyond.
