Nigerian gospel music has been thrown into mourning following the death of singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, amid emotional accounts of his final hours and desperate calls for prayers before his death was confirmed.
The singer’s family announced his death on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in a statement posted on his TikTok account, saying he died in the early hours of the day.
The development came after reports circulated on social media that the gospel minister had been rushed to a hospital, prompting fans and colleagues to pray for his survival.
An X user, Ennybets, said he was at a hospital with his wife for antenatal care when the singer was reportedly brought in.
He recounted seeing members of the singer’s team crying as they hoped for his survival.
In a subsequent post, the user expressed grief over the singer’s death, saying the sight of more than 10 members of his band weeping heavily had left him traumatised.
The account added to the outpouring of emotions surrounding the singer’s final hours, although the circumstances of his reported hospitalisation have not been independently established.
The family’s statement read: “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.”
Describing him as a dearly loved husband, family member and gospel minister, the family appealed to the public to keep his wife and loved ones in their prayers.
It said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
Gospel entertainer Ayo Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, also appealed for prayers amid the uncertainty surrounding the singer’s condition before news of his death emerged.
Convener of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates, Pelumi Olajengbesi, expressed shock over the development, lamenting the loss of young people.
Sharing the singer’s photograph on Instagram, he wrote: “My God! What a life! No, Lord! We plead for Your mercy upon Toluwanisings.”
He added that he was deeply troubled by the deaths of young men and women, declaring, “We say no to untimely death.”
Gospel artiste Mega99 also paid tribute to the late singer, describing him as a rare talent with a distinctive voice.
“A rare gem with a unique voice is gone. This life,” he wrote.
The cause of Toluwanisings’ death remained unknown as of Thursday, October 15, while the family had yet to announce his funeral arrangements.
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