An emotional moment unfolded in Ibadan as Akanbi Elizabeth, the widow of late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, struggled to hold back tears while paying tribute to her husband.
At the tribute night held on Tuesday, October 27, at Jogor Centre, Elizabeth spoke about the pain of losing her partner and pleaded with him not to forget her and their children. Her emotional words captured the grief of a family facing life without a loved one.
Toluwanisings, known among gospel music listeners for songs including “Kabiyesi Olorun Ayo”, died in Ibadan on October 14 after reportedly slumping at his residence. He and Elizabeth married in 2021 and had two daughters.
The memorial brought together gospel artistes, actors, friends and supporters who gathered to celebrate his life and musical legacy. Among those reported to have attended were Adeyinka Alaseyori, Esther Igbekele, Laolu Gbenjo, Bidemi Olaoba and Peterson Okopi.
The tribute came amid continuing questions and disagreements within the family over the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death and his burial arrangements. Relatives have called for an investigation, but claims circulating about the circumstances of his death should not be treated as established facts without verified findings.
For many attendees, the night was an opportunity to remember the singer’s faith, music and impact while supporting the family he left behind. His widow’s emotional words have since drawn attention to the personal loss behind the public tributes.
