The Oyo State Police Command has successfully mediated the dispute surrounding the burial arrangements of the late gospel singer, Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, bringing an end to public exchanges and rising tensions among the involved parties.
The initial rift began following the singer’s sudden death on October 14, 2026, after he reportedly collapsed at his residence. Disagreements quickly surfaced between his family and his widow, Mrs. Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola, over his final resting place. The late singer’s father, Mr. Muniru Olayemi, and extended family opposed a cemetery interment, demanding instead that he be buried at his home in Ibadan or at his family compound. Conversely, his widow preferred a cemetery burial, leading to a deadlock that stalled the initial burial schedule.
Compounding the dispute were widespread allegations regarding his final moments. Statements from his personal assistant and associates claiming that emergency care was delayed across multiple medical facilities sparked public outrage. The situation further escalated as online commentators and third parties made unverified allegations of conspiracy and defamation, prompting legal threats among public figures and creating a volatile environment on social media.
The police intervention came after the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, received reports on October 28, 2026, regarding the escalating conflict. Exercising statutory powers under Section 4 of the Police Act, the police invited all stakeholders to prevent a breach of public peace.
Following a resolution meeting at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, all key stakeholders signed a formal peace undertaking before the Commissioner of Police. Those in attendance and party to the agreement included the deceased’s wife, Mrs. Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola; his father, Mr. Muniru Olayemi; his associates Oyindamola Esther, Babadunni Gbolabo, and Comrade Lawal Ademola Rafiu; alongside his personal assistant and other representatives.
By signing the undertaking, all parties agreed to maintain peace, maintain good behavior, and immediately halt all public exchanges, interviews, and discussions related to the singer’s demise. The agreement explicitly mandates a complete cessation of social media posts, blog features, radio commentary, and print publications concerning the matter. It also extends to their respective proxies, agents, and representatives, prohibiting them from granting media access or sponsoring narratives capable of reigniting tensions.
CP Olugbenga warned that the police command will strictly enforce the terms of the agreement. He cautioned that anyone who violates the peace pact, instigates hostility, or promotes unsubstantiated allegations will face arrest and prosecution under applicable laws.
The Oyo State Police Command has further appealed to members of the public, media practitioners, and bloggers to exercise restraint, respect the peace agreement signed by the family and associates, and refrain from circulating unverified reports that could disrupt the ongoing peace effort.
