Toluwanisings: Ibadan tribute night holds 27 October, family announces white dress code
- Family and friends will honour gospel singer Toluwanisings at a night of tributes in Ibadan on Tuesday, 27 October.
- The event at the Jogor Centre starts at 3pm and guests are asked to wear white.
- The singer, whose real name was Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, died on 14 October after reportedly collapsing at home.
The family of gospel singer Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, known to fans as Toluwanisings, has fixed Tuesday, 27 October for a night of tributes and service of songs in his honour.
The event will hold at 3pm at the Hall of Grace, Jogor Centre, in Ibadan, Oyo State. Guests are asked to dress in white.
The announcement was shared on the singer's official Instagram page on Wednesday, according to the family.
Toluwanisings died on Wednesday, 14 October, after he reportedly slumped at his home in Ibadan. He had ministered at Bidemi Olaoba's 'In His Presence' worship service in the city less than a day before.
His personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, said they took him to about eight hospitals, but none attended to him.
What the family is planning
The organisers say the evening is meant to celebrate his life and ministry rather than mourn alone. In their message, they described him as a beloved brother, friend and gospel minister whose work touched many people.
They said the gathering will feature tributes, reflections and thanksgiving, and asked family, friends, colleagues and members of the Christian community to attend.
Well-wishers who want to support the programme were asked to reach the organisers through direct messages.
The family also said they are holding on to their Christian hope despite the loss, and prayed for God's comfort for everyone grieving him.
Why it matters
Toluwanisings was a familiar voice in Nigerian gospel music, and his sudden death has shaken fans and fellow ministers across the country. For many in Ibadan, the tribute night will be the first chance to gather publicly and say goodbye.
His death also raises fresh questions about emergency care in the city, after his assistant's account that several hospitals did not attend to him.
Punch and The Nation both reported the 27 October date and venue. The Nation added the white dress code.
What happens next: The tribute night and service of songs hold on Tuesday, 27 October at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan. Details of the burial have not been announced in the statements seen so far.
