Information about the final moments and circumstances surrounding the death of Nigerian gospel singer, Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has been made public.
The family of the 41-year-old singer confirmed his demise in a statement posted on the deceased’s Instagram page on Thursday.
The family said the singer had “said goodbye to the world” in the early hours of Wednesday, 14 October. They also impored fans to remember his bereaved wife, children and family in prayer during this trying period.
The statement read, “With deep sorrow, the family announces the passing of Minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM), who passed away in the early hours of 14 October 2026.
“A dearly loved husband, family member, and gospel minister. Please keep his wife, family, and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time.”
The statement also noted that funeral arrangements would be announced by the family in due course
Toluwanisings was known for his soothing and enchanting voice and electrifying praise performances that held the audience spellbound.
Some of his popular songs include Unreserved Praise, A Very Big God, Onibuore, E Lagbara and Owo Re Meji Meji.
Thousands of his fans on social media were gripped by apprehension and uncertainty after news of his death broke on Wednesday before it was later confirmed by the family.
An X user, Ennybets, also posted about the incident on Wednesday. He stated that he was at a hospital when the singer was brought in.
He wrote, “Brought my wife to the hospital for antenatal, and some car rushed in here bringing a popular gospel man. Come and see how BBO and the rest are crying so bad; I pray he survives this though.”
In a follow-up post, Ennybets expressed grief over the singer’s passing, saying he witnessed members of his band crying at the hospital.
He wrote, “I cried about this man’s passing. The fact that I was seeing over 10 grown men who are his band members, crying heavily in front of me is giving me trauma.”
Tributes and encomiums have continued to pour in from colleagues and fans following the announcement of his death.
Reacting to the news, gospel artiste Mega99 described the late singer as a rare talent.
He wrote, “A rare gem with a unique voice is gone. This life.”
Among those who reacted are prominent lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi, comedian Dele Omo Woli, who claimed he was with the singer earlier in the day before he died and Woli, who had earlier called for prayers for the singer.
The ToluwaniSings final moments
His personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, revealed that the singer suddenly collapsed on Wednesday without any prior ailments and was rushed to eight hospitals in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
However, he could not get the urgent medical attention he needed because all the hospitals rejected him.
Babadunni disclosed that some of the hospitals refused to admit him, citing the unavailability of doctors due to an ongoing strike. He added that some other hospitals refused to admit the singer.
“When it happened in the morning, I wasn’t here, so they called me, and I came.
“There was nothing wrong with him. He was very fine and in perfect condition. He just slumped. They tried to resuscitate him. They went helter-skelter. They took him to some hospitals, but they were giving excuses.
“Some said doctors were not working because of the strike. Some did not admit him at all. That is how it went. We tried our best, including prayers. We took him to up to seven or eight hospitals in Ibadan, but God said his time was up,” Babadunni said
