Akanbi Elizabeth, the surviving spouse of the late gospel singer Toluwanisings, delivered an emotional tribute on Tuesday at the Jogor Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, after her husband’s sudden death on 14 October 2026. Overcome with grief, she struggled to finish her speech, repeatedly pleading, “Please, don’t forget your children and I,” before breaking down in tears.
Key facts from the night
- The memorial took place at Jogor Centre, a popular event venue in Ibadan.
- Toluwanisings, whose real name was Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, collapsed and died on 14 October 2026.
- His personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, claimed that emergency services were taken to seven or eight hospitals without success.
- A dispute erupted between Elizabeth and members of the singer’s paternal family regarding his final resting place.
- The singer’s grandmother, Sabitiyu Olayemi, accused him of neglecting her for years, adding another layer to the family tension.
What happened at the tribute?
The ceremony gathered a host of gospel artists, including Adeyinka Alaseyori, Esther Igbekele, Laolu Gbenjo, Akintayo Akinwande, SB Live, Bidemi Olaoba, Mr Gbera, Peterson Okopi and Sarah Apekeola, who performed songs in his memory. Nollywood actress Bimbo Oshin also attended, underscoring the singer’s influence across entertainment circles.
Why is the death controversial?
According to Babadunni Gbolabo, the assistant who worked closely with the artist, emergency responders shuttled the ailing singer between multiple hospitals in Ibadan without securing the necessary treatment. The claim has ignited public debate about the accessibility and responsiveness of emergency medical services in the city and the wider Oyo State region.
What are the burial disputes about?
Following the singer’s passing, his widow and his paternal relatives could not agree on a burial site. Elizabeth insists on a burial that honors her husband’s wishes, while other family members argue for a traditional interment in the paternal hometown. The disagreement has been amplified by statements from the singer’s grandmother, who alleged long‑standing neglect, further polarising the family.
How have the public responded?
Social media users and fans expressed sympathy for Elizabeth’s heartbreak and raised concerns about the alleged medical negligence. Calls for an official investigation into the circumstances of Toluwanisings’ death have grown louder, with many urging health authorities to review emergency response protocols.
The tribute night, while meant to celebrate the artist’s musical legacy, has become a focal point for broader issues of healthcare access, family dynamics, and the handling of celebrity deaths in Nigeria.