The Oyo State Police Command has intervened to resolve a growing dispute between the family and close associates of late gospel artist Olayemi Bolaji, widely known as Toluwanisings, over his burial arrangements. The warring parties signed a formal peace undertaking on Tuesday at the police command headquarters situated in Eleyele, Ibadan.
According to Punch, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, summoned the parties after getting reports on October 28 about friction concerning where the musician would be laid to rest. Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka noted that the intervention became necessary under Section 4 of the Police Act to prevent public disorder, defamation claims, and allegations of conspiracy.
Those who signed the peace document include the late singer’s widow, Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola, his father, Muniru Olayemi, as well as friends and colleagues Oyindamola Esther, Babadunni Gbolabo, and Lawal Ademola Rafiu. His personal assistant and other representatives also attended the Eleyele meeting.
The main disagreement stemmed from opposing ideas regarding where the gospel minister should be buried. The singer's father wanted him interred either at his own property or next to his late mother in Osun State, while his wife rejected the option of burying him on their residential premises.
Under the terms reached during the session, all parties agreed to remain peaceful and stop granting media interviews, holding discussions, or posting content capable of fueling tension. The command instructed the factions and their proxies to avoid publishing claims through social media, blogs, newspapers, or radio platforms.
Olugbenga warned that no one should leverage the tragedy to cause trouble or spread unverified claims, noting that offenders would face arrest and prosecution. The authorities also urged online bloggers and journalists to avoid spreading rumors about the burial.
Toluwanisings passed away on October 14, 2026, in Ibadan after he reportedly slumped. His sudden demise triggered outcry after his personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, stated that the singer was taken to about seven or eight hospitals that turned him down during the medical emergency. However, the University College Hospital in Ibadan clarified that it had no record showing the musician was brought to its center.
