The family of late Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bolaji, widely known as Toluwanisings, has asked for a formal investigation into his death before his remains are committed to the earth.
Toluwanisings, who was known for the song ‘A Very Big God’, died on October 14. However, his family says the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
The singer’s paternal uncle, Lawal Ademola Rauf, made the family’s position known while speaking with media personality Dunmininu, saying they wanted the authorities to establish what caused his death through a legal process.
Rauf appealed to the Federal Government, religious leaders and other concerned Nigerians to assist the family in getting answers. He also called on those involved in the burial arrangements to put them on hold pending the outcome of an investigation.
According to him, the family is willing to continue paying the mortuary expenses for as long as necessary and intends to bury the singer at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, when the family is ready.
“We need people to intervene because Toluwanisings’ death is hurting us. We are calling on everyone, including the government and religious leaders, to help us investigate what killed him. We, the Olayemi family, are pleading to know the cause of his death and asking the government to help us pursue the matter legally,” he said.
“Nobody should decide to bury him for now because we are still grieving, and the family has decided not to bury him yet. We are ready to pay the mortuary fees for as long as necessary. When we are ready, we want him to be buried at his home in Ibadan.”
The demand comes as Toluwanisings’ colleagues prepare for a night of tributes scheduled for October 27 in Ibadan to honour the late singer.
While the burial arrangements were yet to be formally announced to the public, reports had indicated that the burial was expected to take place on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the singer’s personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, has spoken about what happened before his death.
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Gbolabo said Toluwanisings was in good condition before he suddenly collapsed, prompting attempts to revive him.
He said the singer was subsequently taken to eight different hospitals in Ibadan, but none admitted him, with the facilities reportedly giving various reasons for their refusal.
With the cause of death yet to be established, the family is insisting that the circumstances surrounding the singer’s passing be properly investigated before any burial takes place.