Police Broker Peace in Toluwanisings’ Burial Dispute as Wife, Father Sign Undertaking

The Oyo State Police Command has brokered peace between the family and associates of late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, following a dispute over his burial arrangements.

The intervention brought together the singer’s wife, Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola; his father, Muniru Olayemi; friends, associates and other representatives. The parties signed a peace undertaking at the police command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The police stepped in after disagreements surrounding the proposed burial arrangements generated heated exchanges and allegations of conspiracy, defamation and conduct capable of disturbing public peace.

Disagreement over where the singer should be buried

The dispute reportedly centred on the location where Toluwanisings’ remains should be laid to rest.

According to reports, the singer’s father wanted him buried at the house he built or beside his late mother in Osun State. His wife and some associates reportedly opposed the proposed arrangements, with discussions also involving the possibility of a cemetery burial.

The disagreement became increasingly public, with family members and people close to the singer exchanging claims and counterclaims across social media and other communication platforms.

The situation reportedly became more complicated after the family raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death and called for a transparent investigation before the burial proceeded.

The father had also reportedly threatened to have the singer’s remains exhumed if the burial went ahead at a cemetery without the family’s agreement.

These were positions and claims reported during the dispute; the police intervention was aimed at preventing further escalation rather than publicly determining which side was right.

Police bring the parties together

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reportedly received information about the disagreement on October 28.

Concerned about the possibility of the dispute escalating into a breakdown of law and order, he directed that the parties be invited to the command headquarters for a meeting.

The meeting was conducted under the police command’s responsibility to prevent crime and maintain public order, with reference to Section 4 of the Police Act.

Those who signed the undertaking included Toluwanisings’ wife, his father, friends and associates identified as Oyindamola Esther, Babadunni Gbolabo and Comrade Lawal Ademola Rafiu. The singer’s personal assistant and other representatives also participated.

What the peace agreement requires

Under the undertaking, the parties agreed to maintain peace, conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions capable of creating further tension.

They also committed to ending public arguments, interviews and discussions concerning the singer’s death and the disagreement over his burial.

The agreement specifically covers publications and allegations circulated through social media, blogs, newspapers, radio and other communication channels.

It also extends to people acting on behalf of the parties. Family members, friends, representatives and associates are expected to avoid sponsoring, sharing or amplifying content that could undermine the agreement.

The police commissioner warned that the commitments must be respected and cautioned against using the singer’s death to promote hostility or unsubstantiated allegations.

He further warned that anyone whose conduct independently amounts to a criminal offence could be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Toluwanisings’ death and the unanswered questions

Toluwanisings died in October 2026. His death was announced by his family, who described him as a beloved husband, family member and gospel singer.

Reports surrounding his final hours said he reportedly slumped at his residence and was taken for medical attention. His personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, alleged that efforts were made to secure emergency treatment at several hospitals.

However, the University College Hospital, Ibadan, reportedly said it had no record confirming that the singer was brought to the facility.

These accounts contributed to public questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. The available reports do not establish a definitive cause of death, and allegations raised during the dispute should not be treated as proven findings.

Police urge the public to respect the agreement

Following the meeting, the Oyo State Police Command appealed to bloggers, media practitioners and members of the public to exercise restraint.

It urged people to avoid circulating unverified reports or publications that could reignite tensions between the parties.

While the peace undertaking represents an important step towards reducing public confrontation, it does not, by itself, settle every question surrounding the singer’s death or establish that all disagreements over the burial have been permanently resolved.

For now, the police have made their position clear: the parties are expected to honour their commitments and pursue any remaining concerns through peaceful and lawful channels.

The intervention also serves as a reminder that disagreements involving bereaved families require sensitivity, restraint and respect, particularly when private grief becomes the subject of public debate.