Key Facts
- Who. Toluwanisings, a Nigerian gospel singer, died in Ibadan, a city in south-western Nigeria, in mid-October 2026.
- Dispute. His widow and his father disagreed publicly over where he should be buried.
- Police. On 3 November 2026, five people signed a peace undertaking (a written pledge to keep calm) at Oyo police headquarters.
- Open. No burial date or place, and no cause of death, has been announced.
- Status. As of 3 November 2026, 21:00 GMT
The widow and father of Nigerian gospel singer Toluwanisings have signed a peace undertaking over his burial, following our first report on his death. The signing took place on Tuesday 3 November 2026 at the Oyo State Police headquarters in Ibadan, a city in south-western Nigeria.
His death in October drew tributes across Nigerian gospel music. This report sets out what police have confirmed and what remains unknown.
What We Know
Toluwanisings, whose real name was Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, was best known for the song “Kabiyesi Olorun Ayo”. He died in Ibadan, a city in Oyo State in south-western Nigeria, in mid-October 2026 after reportedly collapsing at home.
His family announced the death on social media. A dispute over his burial then became public.
His widow, Elizabeth, reportedly preferred a cemetery burial. His father, Muniru Olayemi, wanted him buried at the singer’s own house or beside his late mother in Osun State.
Osun State lies north-east of Ibadan, in the same south-western region. The same reports say paternal relatives asked for the burial to be delayed pending an investigation into his death.
On Tuesday 3 November 2026 the state’s Commissioner of Police, its top police officer, directed the parties to the Oyo State Police Command headquarters at Eleyele, an area of Ibadan. The Oyo State Police Command is the state branch of the Nigeria Police Force.
The widow, the father and three friends and associates of the singer signed the peace undertaking before the Commissioner. Police named them as Oyindamola Esther, Babadunmi Gbolabo and Lawal Ademola Rafiu.
A peace undertaking is a written promise to keep the peace and avoid conflict. Police said the aim was to prevent the dispute from escalating.
Under the undertaking, the signatories promised to keep the peace and observe good conduct. They also agreed to stop public exchanges, media interviews and posts about the matter on social media, in print, on radio and on blogs.
They must also stop their representatives from circulating inflammatory statements. As described by police, the undertaking does not settle where the singer will be buried.
Ayanlade Olayinka, spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, issued the statement on 3 November 2026. Nigerian press reports quoted it the same day.
What Is Not Known
No burial date or place has been announced. The police statement does not say how the question will be settled.
No cause of death, autopsy result or investigation finding has been published. The paternal family asked for an investigation, and we are not suggesting wrongdoing by anyone.
We have not seen confirmation that a formal investigation has begun. It is also unclear how long the undertaking runs or what follows if it is broken.
We also do not know whether the family will hold a funeral service before a burial is agreed. We have no confirmed information on any service.
We have seen no statement showing that both sides now accept one burial plan. We will report one if it appears.
What It Means for Readers in the US
Readers in the US with family or friends in Ibadan should follow statements from the family and the Oyo State Police Command. Those are the sources for the confirmed facts so far.
Followers of gospel music often learn of such news first through social media. Here that is a weak guide, because the undertaking asks the parties to stop posting about the matter.
Anyone planning to send condolences or donations should confirm details with the family directly. We have not verified any online fundraising appeal.
Our reporting rests on the police statement and Nigerian press reports. We will correct this article if either source changes.
Our Nigeria coverage is collected at the Nigeria hub. We will report any announcement of burial arrangements by the family or police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Toluwanisings?
Toluwanisings, real name Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, was a Nigerian gospel singer known for “Kabiyesi Olorun Ayo”. He died in Ibadan, Oyo State, in mid-October 2026 after reportedly collapsing at home.
What did police announce on 3 November 2026?
The Oyo State Police Command said his widow, his father and three associates signed a peace undertaking before the Commissioner of Police. Police said the aim was to prevent the dispute from escalating.
Has a burial date been set?
No. No burial date or place has been announced, and the police statement does not say how the disagreement will be settled.
Has a cause of death been given?
No cause of death, autopsy result or investigation finding has been published. Nigerian press reports say paternal relatives asked for a delay pending an investigation.
Sources
Oyo State Police Command statement of 3 November 2026 (via Premium Times, an Abuja-based newspaper) · Punch, a Lagos-based daily
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief