Oyo Police resolve Toluwanisings’ family burial feud

The Oyo State Police Command has intervened in the disagreement between the family and associates of late gospel singer Olayemi Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, over his burial arrangements.

The parties involved signed a peace undertaking at the police headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, following an intervention by Oyo Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga.

The agreement was reached on Tuesday after the police invited the singer’s family members and associates over concerns that the disagreement could lead to a breakdown of public peace.

The intervention followed reports of accusations, alleged conspiracy and defamation of character surrounding the singer’s death and preparations for his burial.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the Commissioner became aware of the dispute on October 28.

According to the police, Olugbenga directed the parties to appear at the command headquarters to resolve their differences peacefully and prevent the situation from escalating.

Those who signed the undertaking included the singer’s wife, Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola; his father, Muniru Olayemi; and some of his friends and associates, Oyindamola Esther, Babadunni Gbolabo and Lawal Ademola Rafiu.

The singer’s personal assistant and other representatives were also present during the meeting.

The disagreement reportedly arose over where Toluwanisings should be buried, with his father said to have favoured burying him at the house he built or beside his late mother in Osun State.

His wife, however, was reportedly against the plan to have him buried in their home.

Following the police intervention, the parties agreed to maintain peace, conduct themselves properly and avoid any action that could cause further tension.

They also agreed to stop making public statements, granting interviews or engaging in discussions that could worsen the disagreement over the singer’s death and burial.

The police said the agreement also prohibits the parties from spreading allegations, reports or publications about the matter through social media, newspapers, radio, blogs and other communication platforms.

They are further expected to ensure that their representatives, associates, agents and supporters do not make or circulate statements capable of reigniting the dispute.

The Commissioner of Police warned that everyone involved must respect the agreement and ensure that people acting on their behalf comply with its terms.

The command also cautioned against using the singer’s death as an opportunity to create hostility, spread unverified claims or engage in activities that could threaten public peace.

It added that anyone found engaging in unlawful activities in connection with the matter would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The police also urged members of the public, bloggers and media practitioners to exercise caution in their reporting and discussions about the incident, warning against spreading unconfirmed information that could worsen the situation.

Toluwanisings died in Ibadan on October 14, 2026, after reportedly collapsing.

His death sparked public controversy following claims that several hospitals allegedly refused to attend to him while efforts were being made to secure emergency medical care.

His personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, had claimed that the singer was taken to seven or eight hospitals before he eventually died.

However, the University College Hospital, Ibadan, stated that it had no record showing that the singer was brought to its facility for treatment.