The paternal uncle of late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, better known as Toluwanisings, has appealed to the government, Nigerians, religious leaders and traditional rulers to assist in uncovering the circumstances behind his sudden passing.
The worship singer, celebrated for his uplifting songs, collapsed and died in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 14.
In an interview with Dunmininu, the uncle disclosed that the family had collectively agreed to suspend the burial until the actual cause of death is determined. He revealed that the late singer was born into a Muslim family as Sodiq, before he embraced Christianity and took on a Christian name.
“We need Nigeria’s help because Sodiq’s death is deeply hurting us. We are calling on prominent people, from the government to religious leaders and traditionalists, to help us establish the true cause of his death. Please help us, we, the family of Olayeni. I am his father’s brother.
No one should ask whether we have sent anyone to investigate. Yes, we are calling on everyone to help investigate because his death is painful to us.
Because of this, no one should make plans to bury Sodiq, as we are all in great pain, and the entire family has agreed to halt his burial until the investigation into his death is completed,” he said.
He also insisted that the late singer’s body should remain in his house in Ibadan, where his wife and children currently reside.
This comes amid reports of a disagreement between the singer’s widow and his father over his burial place. While the father is said to want him buried in a building he was constructing, his wife is reported to prefer a cemetery burial.