Toluwanisings’ grandmother claims neglect, disagrees with burial plans

Sabitiyu Olayemi, the grandmother of the late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, known as Toluwanisings, says he neglected her for years before he passed away. She claims he stopped sending her money after sometimes helping her financially.

In an interview in Osun with journalist Dunmininu, shared on social media on Monday, the grandmother said she had taken care of the singer and his mother before he moved to Lagos. She mentioned that she had not seen him for more than five years.

"We have been taking care of Sodiq (Toluwanisings) and his mother even before he went to Lagos. He attended Arabic schools. When he was in grammar school, I would visit him," she said.

She acknowledged knowing her grandson was a musician but had no idea he built a house or held a housewarming party.

"I just knew he is a musician. I am not aware he built a house; I was not aware of a housewarming. Even if I want to call him, they will say I shouldn’t. It has been over five years I set my eyes on him," she said.

The grandmother remembered that the singer once visited her with his wife and first child but alleged he did not provide financial support afterward.

She mentioned asking someone in the village to help her reach him because she wanted to talk to him.

"So I called and told him it was me. He responded, ‘Ahh, Mummy.’ I told him that you cannot even check up on me. He said it is work that has been a hindrance," she recounted.

According to her, after that conversation, the singer sent her ₦10,000 on about three occasions but did not send her money again.

She also claimed that when her phone broke, and she asked the singer’s older sibling to help her reach him for a replacement, the sibling told her not to call him.

When asked whether the singer sent her medication or money for her medical needs due to her age, she replied, "There is nothing Sodiq (Toluwanisings) sends to me."

Despite feeling neglected, the grandmother said his death hit her hard.

"When I heard he is dead, I felt so bad, even though I did not benefit, he is still my child. I know he is still an achievement. I cannot see Sodiq. I have accepted my fate. I wish God had taken me, so I won’t see this evil," she said.

She also disagreed with plans to bury the singer in a cemetery, insisting he should be buried at his house.

"I do not agree that Toluwanisings should be buried in a cemetery. It is at his house that they should bury him. They should not come and bury him close to his mother," she said.

She insisted that his body should be buried at the house, adding, "It is not possible; they have to bury him there."

Toluwanisings’ death has caused disagreements among family members regarding his burial plans. His father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, stated he wanted his son buried in the house he built or beside his late mother in Osun State.

The father also disagreed with claims that the singer was 44 at the time of his death, saying he was actually 34. Meanwhile, a man identifying himself as the singer’s uncle, Lawal Ademola, has called for a fair investigation into the circumstances of his death.