Gospel Artists Honor Late Toluwanisings in Emotional Tribute Night

Gospel artists like Adeyinka Alaseyori, Esther Igbekele, and others paid tribute to their late friend, Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, known as Toluwanisings. They performed heartfelt songs at a tribute night in Ibadan, Oyo State on Tuesday.

The event took place at Jogor Centre. The artists wore white and took turns on stage, singing to honor the late gospel singer. Many performances brought tears to the eyes of the audience.

Alaseyori struggled to hold back tears while singing Ase Ti Jade. This was a song she recorded with Toluwanisings during their early days in the gospel music scene. She also performed other songs during the tribute.

Sarah Apekeola sang the late singer's popular song Iba, which left the audience in a reflective mood. Peterson Okopi also gave a moving performance that made attendees weep. Igbekele sang an uplifting Christian song that touched the hearts of everyone present.

The artists shared microphones as they took turns performing for the audience. Other gospel artists at the tribute included Lanre Alewilese, Laolu Gbenjo, Akintayo Akinwande, SB Live, Bidemi Olaoba, and Mr Gbera.

Comedians and entertainers Woli Agba and Dele Omo Woli joined the gospel artists on stage. In another touching moment, a member of Toluwanisings' band shared how the late singer supported her while she was praying for a child. She delivered her tribute with her baby in her arms.

Toluwanisings passed away in Ibadan on October 14, 2026, after reportedly collapsing. Following his death, his personal assistant, Babadunni, claimed that the singer was taken to seven or eight hospitals but did not get the care he needed at some places.

The University College Hospital in Ibadan later stated that they had no record of the singer being admitted there. The circumstances surrounding his death have led to calls for a fair investigation from a man who said he was the singer’s uncle, Lawal Ademola.

After his death, there was a disagreement about his burial plans. His father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, expressed a desire to bury his son in the house he built or beside his late mother in Osun State. Olayemi mentioned that his daughter-in-law preferred a burial in a cemetery or church ground, while he wanted a home burial. The widow's side of the story was not included in the reports.

This disagreement has sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some people questioned the idea of burying the singer in a residential area, while others supported the family's wishes. Olayemi also challenged reports that his son was 44 when he died, stating in an interview that he was born in July 1992 and was actually 34.

The singer’s grandmother, Sabitiyu Olayemi, claimed that he had neglected her for many years.