The TolaOluwa Foundation has apologised for a fundraising appeal it published following the death of Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, acknowledging that the timing was insensitive and caused distress to the bereaved family and others mourning him.
In a statement shared on Instagram on Friday, the foundation explained that the appeal was intended to support the late singer’s wife and children. However, it admitted that more care should have been taken before making the request public.
“Our intention was to offer support to his wife and children. However, we recognise that posting an appeal so soon after his passing was insensitive and caused distress at a time when his family, friends and community are grieving,” the statement read.
The foundation further acknowledged that it should have given greater consideration to the timing and potential consequences of the appeal, adding that it ought to have obtained approval from the relevant parties before publishing it.
“We should have considered the timing and impact of our actions more carefully, and awaited approval from the necessary parties,” the foundation stated.
The fundraising appeal also raised questions about its legitimacy, prompting the foundation to address concerns about its operations and status.
It maintained that it was a registered charity with the Corporate Affairs Commission and had a history of providing assistance to people in need.
“We also understand that the post raised concerns about the legitimacy of the appeal. We have a track record of offering help to those in need as a registered charity with the Corporate Affairs Commission,” it said.
The foundation maintained that although it had a record of supporting people in need, its past efforts did not justify the way it handled the fundraising appeal following the singer’s death.
“Nonetheless, we take responsibility for how we communicated on this occasion,” the statement added.
It also revealed that it had reached out to the relevant parties and resolved the matter. The foundation said it would respect the family’s privacy and allow them the space they need to grieve their loss.
“We have been in contact with the necessary parties and have resolved the issue. Our priority now is to respect the family’s privacy and give them space to grieve,” it stated.
The foundation also promised to handle any future fundraising efforts involving the family differently, ensuring that such initiatives align with the family’s wishes and provide clear details about how donations would be managed.
“Any future support initiative we share will be guided by the family’s wishes, with clear communication about how any funds would be managed,” the foundation said.
The organisation apologised to the singer’s family, friends and others affected by the fundraising appeal, while appreciating members of the public who expressed concerns about the post.
“To his family, loved ones and everyone hurt by the previous post, we are truly sorry. Thank you to those who expressed their concerns and held us accountable in love,” it said.
The foundation concluded its statement by urging that the late singer’s memory be treated with honour and respect.
“May his memory be honoured with love, dignity and respect,” it added.
The singer’s family had earlier announced his death in a statement shared on his TikTok account on Wednesday.