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Family confirms gospel minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, died in the early hours of Wednesday, October 14.
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His death came hours after he ministered at Bidemi Olaoba’s “In His Presence” worship programme in Ibadan.
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Reports said the singer complained of tiredness and slumped at his residence as colleagues and fans called for prayers.
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Tragedy comes months after Toluwanisings and members of his band survived a road accident while returning from a ministration.
October 15, (THEWILL) – Popular Nigerian gospel singer and minister, Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has died hours after ministering at a worship programme in Ibadan, Oyo State, and months after surviving a road accident involving members of his band.
His family confirmed the death in a public announcement posted on his verified Instagram page late Wednesday.
According to the family, Toluwanisings, who ministered under the Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM), died in the early hours of Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
“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 family said.
It described the deceased as “a dearly loved husband, family member, and gospel minister.”
The family appealed to members of the public and the Christian community to remember his wife and loved ones in their prayers as they come to terms with the sudden loss.
“Please keep his wife, family, and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course,” the statement added.
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News of Toluwanisings’ death had earlier filtered into the public space on Wednesday afternoon, triggering shock among fans and members of the gospel music community before the family issued its formal confirmation later in the night.
Lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi was among those who publicly announced the development, while comedian and gospel entertainer Woli Agba had earlier called for prayers amid growing concerns over the singer’s health.
Reports surrounding his final hours said the gospel minister had complained of tiredness before he reportedly slumped at his residence in Ibadan.
The incident reportedly occurred just hours after Toluwanisings ministered at “In His Presence,” a monthly worship programme hosted by gospel singer Bidemi Olaoba in Ibadan on Tuesday night.
His appearance at the worship gathering made reports of his deteriorating health and subsequent death particularly shocking to colleagues and followers who had seen him actively engaged in ministry only hours earlier.
The family, however, did not state the medical cause of his death or provide details about the circumstances preceding it. There has also been no official medical confirmation linking his death to the reported incident at his residence.
Months After Road Crash
Toluwanisings’ sudden death comes only months after he and members of his band survived a road accident while returning from a ministration.
The accident had caused concern among his followers at the time, but the gospel singer survived and subsequently resumed his ministry and public engagements.
His return to ministrations following the crash had reassured his fans before Wednesday’s sudden development threw the gospel music community into mourning.
Toluwanisings had built a following through his Christian music ministry, worship appearances and live ministrations under TOGOMM.
His family has, however, asked the public to focus on prayers and support for his wife and other loved ones during the period of mourning.
As of Wednesday night, no details had been released concerning his burial.
The family said funeral arrangements for the late gospel minister would be announced in due course.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
