The family of late Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has called for a formal investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
The singer, famous for his hit song A Very Big God, died on October 14, although the cause of his death remains unknown.
Speaking to media personality Dunmininu, Lawal Ademola Rauf, the singer’s paternal uncle, said the family wants a legal inquiry into the circumstances of his death before his burial can proceed.
Rauf also appealed to the government, religious leaders and members of the public to intervene in the matter and support the family’s call for an investigation.
Rauf urged organisers of the burial to suspend their plans. The family, he said, is prepared to cover mortuary fees indefinitely until they are ready to lay him to rest at his home in Ibadan, Oyo state.
“We need people to intervene because Toluwanisings’ death is hurting us. We are calling on everyone, including the government and religious leaders, to help us investigate what killed him. We, the Olayemi family, are pleading to know the cause of his death and asking the government to help us pursue the matter legally,” he said.
“Nobody should decide to bury him for now because we are still grieving, and the family has decided not to bury him yet. We are ready to pay the mortuary fees for as long as necessary. When we are ready, we want him to be buried at his home in Ibadan.”
His colleagues recently announced a night of tributes in his honour, expected to hold on October 27 in Ibadan.
The burial, though not publicly announced, was reportedly scheduled for Wednesday.
Babadunni Gbolabo, the singer’s personal assistant, also recounted his final moments.
He said Toluwanisings was “fine and in perfect condition” before he suddenly slumped.
He said attempts were made to resuscitate the singer, who was taken to eight hospitals in Ibadan, Oyo state, but they all refused to admit him, giving various reasons.
