The uncle of late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has appealed to the government, Nigerians, religious leaders and traditional rulers to help investigate the circumstances surrounding the singer’s sudden death.
Toluwanisings, known for his soul-lifting worship songs, reportedly slumped and died in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 14.
Speaking in an interview with Dunmininu, the deceased’s uncle said the family had agreed to suspend the burial until the cause of his death was established.
He disclosed that the singer was born into a Muslim family and was named Sodiq before he encountered Christianity and adopted a Christian name.
“We need the help of Nigeria because Sodiq’s death is hurting us. We need the help of important people, from the government down to religious leaders and traditional rulers, to help us find out the true cause of his death. Please help us, the family of Olayemi. I am his father’s brother,” he said.
The uncle stressed that the family was determined to uncover the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death, adding that their call for assistance was driven by their grief and desire for answers.
“Nobody should question if we have sent anyone to investigate. Yes, we are calling on everyone to help investigate because his death is painful to us.
“For this reason, nobody should plan to bury Sodiq because we are all very hurt, and the entire family has agreed to put his burial on hold until the investigation into his death is concluded,” he added.
He also stated that the family wanted the late singer to be laid to rest at his residence in Ibadan, where his wife and children currently live.
The appeal comes amid reports of a disagreement between the singer’s widow and his father over the appropriate burial location. According to reports, while his father wants him buried inside a building he was constructing, his widow is reportedly insisting that he should be buried in a cemetery.
