Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has died, prompting an outpouring of grief from colleagues, fans and members of the gospel music community.
The singer’s family confirmed his death in a statement shared on his social media account on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, saying he passed away in the early hours of the day.
The statement described him as a beloved husband, family member and gospel minister under the Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry, also known as 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,” the statement read.
The family appealed to the public to remember his wife and other loved ones in their prayers during the period of mourning. It added that details of his funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
The cause of his death had not been disclosed as of the time of filing this report.
Death announcement sparks concern
News of Toluwanisings’ death circulated on social media earlier on Wednesday, triggering confusion as fans and fellow gospel artistes called for prayers amid uncertainty surrounding his condition.
Pelumi Olajengbesi, a lawyer and convener of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates, expressed distress over reports of the singer’s death in a post on Instagram.
Sharing the singer’s photograph, Olajengbesi lamented the loss of young Nigerians and appealed for divine intervention.
Comedian and gospel entertainer Ayo Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, also urged people not to conclude that the singer had died while appeals for prayers were being made.
The family’s subsequent announcement confirmed the news.
Colleagues pay tribute
Following the confirmation, gospel musicians and entertainers took to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to the late singer.
Woli Agba described Toluwanisings as an artiste with a distinctive voice, lamenting that his death had left a painful void in the lives of those who knew him and enjoyed his music.
Gospel singer Adeyinka Alaseyori also expressed her grief, while actress Wumi Toriola described the news as difficult to accept.
Other entertainers and gospel ministers shared tributes, remembering the singer and praying for strength for his family.
Survived road accident in July
Toluwanisings’ death comes about three months after he and members of his music crew survived a road accident involving their vehicle and a fully loaded trailer in July 2026.
Following the incident, the singer shared photographs of the damaged vehicle on social media and expressed gratitude that the occupants survived.
However, the circumstances surrounding his death have not been officially established, and there is no confirmed information linking the earlier road accident to his passing.
Toluwanisings was known for his gospel music and worship performances, earning recognition among audiences within Nigeria’s gospel music scene.
His death has left colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a singer whose music formed part of their worship and praise experiences.
The family has asked the public to keep his wife and loved ones in their prayers as they grieve, with further details about his funeral expected to be announced later.