A fresh development has emerged in the controversy surrounding the late gospel singer Toluwanisings after fellow gospel artiste Lanre Alewilese publicly apologised to his widow, Elizabeth Akanbi, over a ₦6 million fundraising exercise organised for a relative of the deceased.
The controversy has attracted considerable attention online, with Nigerians debating family responsibilities, financial support and the events surrounding the late singer’s final days.
Alewilese reportedly organised the fundraising to support the UK education expenses of Shadrach Taiwo, a relative of Toluwanisings.
However, the decision attracted criticism after an audio recording, shared by content creator Yinka TNT, allegedly captured the late singer expressing frustration over the financial burden of sponsoring the young man’s education.
In the recording, Toluwanisings was reportedly heard saying that he had spent approximately ₦12 million on the young man’s education and could no longer sustain the responsibility.
The controversy intensified after a receipt showing a ₦6 million transfer was shared online.
Responding to the backlash, Alewilese explained that he organised the fundraiser because Shadrach had informed him that Toluwanisings promised to pay his £6,500 school fees shortly before his death.
He also claimed that he did not know the young man was not the deceased’s biological brother when he organised the fundraising.
In a public apology, Alewilese admitted that he acted impulsively and regretted not consulting the widow before getting involved.
He maintained that his intentions were not dishonest and that he genuinely believed he was helping to fulfil the late singer’s wishes.
The development has generated mixed reactions, with some Nigerians appreciating the apology while others insist that family members should have been consulted before such a significant financial decision was made.
The controversy is another reminder of how complicated family and financial matters can become following the death of a loved one.
For now, many are hoping the disagreement will be resolved peacefully, allowing the widow and children to focus on healing.
