More details have emerged surrounding the death of Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, after his personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, recounted efforts to obtain medical attention for the singer following his sudden collapse in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Gbolabo said the singer was taken to between seven and eight hospitals, but attempts to secure treatment were unsuccessful.
According to the aide, some hospitals cited an ongoing doctors’ strike and the unavailability of medical personnel, while others reportedly refused to admit the singer.
Speaking about the incident, Gbolabo said he was not present when the singer collapsed but rushed to the scene after receiving a phone call.
“When it happened in the morning, I wasn’t here, so they called me and I came.
“There was nothing wrong with him. He was very fine and in perfect condition. He just slumped. They tried to resuscitate him. They went helter-skelter. They took him to some hospitals, but they were giving excuses,” he said.
He added that the search for medical assistance continued across Ibadan, despite the difficulties encountered at the facilities.
“Some said doctors were not working because of the strike. Some did not admit him at all. That is how it went. We tried our best, including prayers. We took him to up to seven to eight hospitals in Ibadan, but God said his time was up,” Gbolabo said.
Toluwanisings died in the early hours of Wednesday, October 14, 2026, according to a statement released by his family. The family announced his passing but did not disclose the cause of death.
The singer had reportedly ministered at “In His Presence”, a worship programme hosted by fellow gospel singer Bidemi Olaoba in Ibadan on Tuesday, October 13, hours before his death.
Toluwanisings was known for gospel songs including A Very Big God and Onibuore. His death has prompted tributes from fans and members of the gospel music community.
The circumstances surrounding his collapse and death remain unclear. While his aide described the difficulties encountered while seeking medical attention, the account does not independently establish whether the reported hospital refusals contributed to his death.
