The family of late Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi “Toluwanisings” Bolaji has insisted that his burial must wait until the authorities determine what caused his death.
Print Media Online earlier reported that the “Kabiyesi Olorun Ayo” crooner died after he slumped at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State on 15 October.
Since then, the family has faced controversy over his burial arrangements, including whether to bury him in a cemetery, at his residence, or in his hometown.
The singer’s uncle, Lawal “Up Lawal” Ademola, made the family’s position clear during an interview with Dunmininu Kingdom, posted on TikTok on Monday.
Speaking on behalf of the family, he called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the death and warned against any attempt to compromise the investigation.
Up Lawal, a health worker, urged the government, community leaders, and security agencies to prevent interference in the investigation.
Lawal “Up Lawal” Ademola
The younger brother of the singer’s father said: “The family has decided that Sodiq must not be buried on Wednesday. We have informed the musicians, who have since suspended all arrangements for his burial.
The family thanks God, as we believe that He is the giver and taker of life. Since Sodiq’s death, we have accepted it as God’s will.
However, the family now needs the support of Nigerians and the government because his death has deeply pained and baffled us.
“We are calling on the government, Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists to help us investigate the cause of Sodiq’s death. The whole world knows that Sodiq is dead, but to establish the facts and avoid future controversy, we, the Olayemi family, need to know the cause of his death. We are appealing to everyone to help us get answers.”
“No burial till further notice”
Furthermore, Up Lawal said the family had directed that all burial plans for Toluwanisings be suspended, adding that they had already informed their relatives in Ibadan.
He insisted that the family would continue to foot the mortuary bills until investigators completed their work and uncovered the cause of Toluwanisings’ death.
“The government should ensure that the law takes its course and empower the relevant authorities to investigate Sodiq’s death. We do not want to take the law into our own hands. The family is deeply saddened by his death. For this reason, nobody should make further burial arrangements for Sodiq, as we are still grieving and want to know the truth.
“The family has resolved that he must not be buried until the cause of his death is established. We will continue to pay the mortuary fees until the investigation is concluded. Once the cause of his death is established, we will bury him at his house in Ibadan, where his wife currently lives. That is the family’s decision,” said Up Lawal.
