Toluwanising burial row resolved as widow and father agree, Woli Arole calls for calm

The dispute over where gospel singer Toluwanising should be buried appears to have been settled, according to one of his closest colleagues.
The agreement
In an Instagram video shared on Sunday, 1 November 2026, singer Lanre Alewilese said the widow, Damilola Olayemi, and her father-in-law had agreed that the singer should be buried at his house in Ibadan, Oyo State. He described the disagreement as a misunderstanding and asked Nigerians to let the family settle the matter in peace. He also appealed to people to stop attacking the widow, describing her as a young woman going through a very difficult time, and said members of the singer's band could vouch for her character.
Woli Arole speaks
On Monday, 2 November, comedian-turned-pastor Bayegun Oluwatoyin, known as Woli Arole, posted a video in which he condemned people seeking social media attention from the tragedy. Quoting Proverbs 31:8 on speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves, he described Toluwanising as a rare talent, and questioned why some of those now talking about him had shown little interest in his music while he was alive. He urged the public to support the widow and children, and said no dispute could take away the music the singer left behind. His comments came after unproven claims made online by a preacher based in Canada named him and other gospel figures in connection with the death.
Background
Toluwanising, 32, died suddenly on 14 October 2026, and a night of tributes was held for him in Ibadan on 27 October. His father had insisted that he be buried at the family residence or in his hometown near his late mother, and relatives had claimed that the widow preferred a cemetery. His younger brother later defended the widow, as did media personality Nancy Umeh.
What happens next
A burial date has not yet been announced.
- Lanre Alewilese says the widow and father have agreed on a burial at his house.
- Woli Arole urged people to stop using the death for clout.
- No burial date has been announced.



