The Nigerian gospel music community has been thrown into mourning following the death of gospel singer Olayemi Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.
The singer’s family announced his death in a statement posted on his TikTok account on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, disclosing that he passed away in the early hours of the day.
According to the statement, the late singer, whose full name was given as Minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, was a beloved husband, family member and gospel minister associated with Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM).
“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,” the statement read.
The family also appealed to the public to remember his wife and loved ones in their prayers as they navigate the difficult period, adding that details of his funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
News of his death has triggered an outpouring of grief on social media, with fans, colleagues and public figures paying tribute to the late gospel artiste.
The Convener of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA), Pelumi Olajengbesi, expressed sadness over the development in a post on Instagram, calling for God’s mercy amid concerns over the deaths of young Nigerians.
Sharing a photograph of the singer, Olajengbesi wrote, “My God! What a life! No, Lord! We plead for Your mercy upon Toluwanisings.
“I am deeply troubled by the deaths of young men and women. This is not God’s plan for us. We say no to untimely death.”
Similarly, an X user identified as Ennybets recounted witnessing the emotional scene at a hospital when the singer was reportedly brought in.
He disclosed that he had taken his wife to the hospital for antenatal care when a vehicle arrived with the gospel singer.
“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,” he wrote in an initial post.
In a subsequent post, Ennybets expressed deep sorrow over the singer’s death, recounting how members of his band broke down in tears at the hospital.
“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,” he wrote.
Also reacting to the news, gospel artiste Mega99 described the deceased as an exceptional talent whose passing was a significant loss to the gospel music community.
“A rare gem with a unique voice is gone. This life,” he wrote.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of Toluwanisings’ death had not been disclosed.
Source: The Punch Newspaper
