The widow of late Nigerian gospel singer Toluwanisings has reportedly agreed to bury her husband at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, following a disagreement with his family over his final resting place.
The development was announced by gospel musician Lanre Alewilese, a close associate of the deceased, who said the widow and her father-in-law had reached an understanding after days of public controversy.
Toluwanisings, whose real name was Olayemi Bolaji, died on 14 October 2026. His death was followed by disagreements between his widow, Damilola Olayemi, and some members of his paternal family over the location of his burial.
The disagreement attracted widespread attention on social media, where different accounts of the dispute prompted criticism of the widow and calls for the family to resolve the matter peacefully.
How the burial disagreement began
The controversy began when some relatives of the late singer alleged that his widow wanted him buried in a cemetery rather than at his Ibadan residence.
His father and other paternal relatives opposed the reported arrangement, arguing that the singer should be buried at his home or taken to his hometown in Ikirun, Osun State.
The singer’s uncle, Lawal Rauf, reportedly insisted that if burial at the Ibadan residence was not possible, the family preferred his remains to be laid beside his late mother in Ikirun.
Rauf also warned that the family could exhume the singer’s remains if he was buried in a cemetery against their wishes.
Other relatives publicly expressed similar opposition, increasing tensions surrounding the burial arrangements.
However, the allegations about the widow’s original preference were not independently established, and Alewilese later questioned whether anyone had directly heard her reject burial at the family residence.
Lanre Alewilese announces agreement
In an Instagram video shared on Sunday, 1 November, Alewilese explained that the disagreement resulted from misunderstandings and advice given to both sides following the singer’s sudden death.
He said the widow and her father-in-law had now agreed that Toluwanisings would be buried at his residence in Ibadan.
According to Alewilese, the unexpected nature of the singer’s death left family members and associates with differing opinions about the appropriate burial arrangements.
He suggested that conflicting advice contributed to the controversy and urged those involved to put their differences aside.
The gospel musician also defended the widow, describing her as an accommodating person who maintained a positive relationship with her husband’s friends and band members.
Alewilese appealed to Nigerians to stop attacking the grieving woman, stressing that she needed peace and privacy following her husband’s death.
He said the agreement should bring an end to the public dispute and allow the family to concentrate on preparing a dignified farewell for the deceased.
Police intervene as family signs peace agreement
In a further development on Tuesday, 3 November, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed that it had intervened in the disagreement.
The police invited the singer’s widow, father and associates to the command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, following concerns that the controversy could threaten public peace.
Those who attended included the widow, identified in the police statement as Mrs Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola, the singer’s father, Mr Muniru Olayemi, and several associates.
The meeting took place before the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga.
According to the police, the parties signed a peace undertaking, agreeing to avoid actions and public statements that could worsen tensions.
They also agreed to discontinue public exchanges and the circulation of allegations concerning the dispute through social media and other communication channels.
The police intervention provided formal confirmation that the parties had undertaken to maintain peace. However, the undertaking should not be confused with an independently confirmed burial date or evidence that the funeral has already taken place.
Nigerians urged to respect the widow’s grief
The controversy has raised questions about the treatment of bereaved families, particularly when private disagreements become subjects of public debate.
Some social media users criticised the widow following allegations that she had rejected the family’s preferred burial arrangements.
Others appealed for restraint, arguing that the loss of a husband should not expose a grieving woman to public accusations without verified evidence.
Alewilese joined those calling for understanding, explaining that the singer’s widow was already dealing with a difficult personal loss.
His intervention also highlighted how disagreements among relatives can become more complicated when conflicting claims circulate online.
For supporters of the late musician, attention is now shifting towards how his family will honour his memory.
Remembering Toluwanisings
Toluwanisings was known for his gospel music and worship performances, which attracted listeners through social media and digital music platforms.
His recordings include Intentional Praise, Unreserved Praise and Unscripted Praise (Live).
His death on 14 October came as a shock to colleagues and admirers, with several figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry expressing sadness over his passing.
Although the disagreement over his final resting place appears to have been resolved, the family has not publicly confirmed a burial date in the reports reviewed.
The latest developments suggest that relatives and associates are now seeking to move beyond the controversyToluwanisings’ Widow Agrees to Bury Late Gospel Singer at Home as Family Dispute Ends and give the gospel singer a peaceful farewell.
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