Nigerian gospel singer and minister Toluwanisings, whose real name is Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, has died. His family confirmed in an Instagram statement on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, that he passed away in the early hours of that morning.
The news shocked the gospel music community and his many fans, coming just hours after he was seen at a concert in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Family Confirms Death After Hours of Rumours
Reports of the singer’s death spread online for several hours on Wednesday before his family issued its statement. In it, the family confirmed his passing, said funeral arrangements would be announced later, and asked the public to pray for his wife, children and loved ones.
The family did not give a cause of death.
What Happened Before His Death
Toluwanisings’ last known public appearance was on the night of Tuesday, October 13, at a concert held by fellow gospel artiste Bidemi Olaoba in Ibadan.
Reports say he later slumped at his apartment. In a video shared on Instagram, his personal assistant, identified as Babadunni, said the singer had been healthy before he suddenly collapsed. He said the team rushed him to several hospitals in Ibadan, some of which allegedly turned them away, and that one hospital told them its doctors were on strike. These claims have not been independently verified.
Reports also say the singer had survived a serious car accident about two months before his death.
Who Was Toluwanisings?
Toluwanisings was a gospel singer, songwriter and minister who led the Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM). He was based in Ibadan and is reported to hail from Osun State.
He was known for contemporary gospel and Yoruba praise and worship music. He gained wider national attention in 2021 after comedian and content creator Woli Arole shared one of his songs online.
His popular songs include:
- Kos’Oluwa Laye
- Kabiyesi Olorun Ayo
- A Very Big God
- E Lagbara
- The Name of Jesus
- The Unreserved Praise series
- Ase Ti Jade, featuring Adeyinka Alaseyori
Leaves Behind Wife and Two Children
Toluwanisings married in 2021 and celebrated his fifth wedding anniversary on September 25, 2026, just weeks before his death. He described the milestone as a journey shaped by God’s faithfulness.
He and his wife have two children. Their second child, a daughter named Irorun, turned two in early October.
Nollywood and Gospel Stars Mourn
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment and gospel industries.
Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele described him as a humble and hardworking gentleman and prayed for comfort for his family. Veteran actor Muyiwa Ademola said the news had broken his heart and left him lost for words.
Comedian and gospel figure Woli Agba wrote a tribute titled “Sunset at Midday,” praising the singer’s unique voice and praying for his wife and children. He ended with a farewell wishing him to sing with the angels.
Bidemi Olaoba, whose concert Toluwanisings attended on his last night, said that even when he does not understand, he chooses to trust God.
Actress Jumoke Odetola noted that his career appeared to be gaining momentum before his sudden death. Others who expressed shock and grief include Nkechi Blessing Sunday, Wumi Toriola, Kiekie, Temitope Solaja, Mo Bimpe, Eniola Badmus, Bimbo Afolayan, Faithia Williams and Kunle Afod.
Questions Over Emergency Care
The claims by his assistant that the singer was turned away by hospitals have added to a wider conversation in Nigeria about access to emergency medical care, particularly during health workers’ strikes. Neither the hospitals involved nor health authorities have responded publicly to the claims.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family. FlashInfoNG extends its condolences to his wife, children, family, ministry and fans.
Sources: Statement by the family of Toluwanisings, as reported by YEN.com.gh and Legit.ng.