Yinka Alaseyori, Esther Igbekele, others sing tribute to late Toluwanisings

The late gospel artist, Toluwanisings...Photo Credit: IG/ Toluwanisings

Gospel artistes, including Adeyinka Alaseyori, Esther Igbekele, and other gospel artistes, have paid tribute to their late colleague, Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, through emotional performances at a tribute night in Ibadan, Oyo State on Tuesday.

The event, held at Jogor Centre, saw the artistes dressed in white take turns on stage to sing in honour of the late gospel singer, with several performances leaving attendees emotional.

Alaseyori was overcome with emotion while performing Ase Ti Jade, a song she and Toluwanisings recorded together during their rise in the gospel music industry.

She also performed other songs at the event.

Sarah Apekeola equally took to the stage to perform her hit song Iba, drawing a sombre response from the audience.

Peterson Okopi also delivered a rendition that moved attendees to tears, while Igbekele performed an inspirational Christian song that stirred emotions in the hall.

The artistes were seen passing microphones to one another as they took turns singing to the audience.

Other gospel artistes at the event included Lanre Alewilese, Laolu Gbenjo, Akintayo Akinwande, SB Live, Bidemi Olaoba and Mr Gbera.

Comedians and entertainers Woli Agba and Dele Omo Woli were also present on stage with the gospel artistes.

In another emotional moment, a member of Toluwanisings’ band recounted how the late singer supported her while she was trusting God for the fruit of the womb. She delivered her tribute with her baby on stage.

Toluwanisings died in Ibadan on October 14, 2026, after reportedly slumping.

Following his death, his personal assistant, Babadunni, alleged that the singer was taken to seven or eight hospitals but did not receive the required medical attention at some facilities.

The University College Hospital, Ibadan, subsequently said it had no record of the singer being brought to the facility. The circumstances surrounding his death have also prompted calls for an impartial investigation from a man who identified himself as the singer’s uncle, Lawal Ademola.

The singer’s death was further followed by a dispute over his burial arrangements. His father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, said he wanted his son buried in the house he built or beside his late mother in Osun State.

Olayemi said his daughter-in-law preferred a cemetery or church burial ground, while he favoured a home burial. The widow’s account of the disagreement was not included in the reports reviewed.

The controversy has generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users questioning the idea of burying the singer in a residential property while others have supported the family’s wishes.

Olayemi also disputed reports that his son was 44 years old when he died, saying in an interview that he was born in July 1992 and was 34.

The singer’s grandmother, Sabitiyu Olayemi, had separately alleged that he neglected her for years.