Akanbi Elizabeth, the widow of Nigerian gospel singer Toluwanisings, broke down in tears while paying tribute to her late husband at a memorial event in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday. Her emotional remarks came as controversy surrounding the singer’s death and burial arrangements continued.
In a video from the event, Elizabeth is seen struggling to finish her tribute before emotion overwhelms her. She addressed her late husband with a heartfelt plea, asking him not to forget her and their children.
“Toluwanisings, my dear husband. I will forever miss you. Please do not forget your children and I,” she said.
The memorial brought together several figures from Nigeria’s gospel music scene, alongside Nollywood actress Bimbo Oshin and other celebrities who gathered to honour the late singer.
Among the gospel artists reported to have attended were Adeyinka Alaseyori, Esther Igbekele, Laolu Gbenjo, Akintayo Akinwande, SB Live, Bidemi Olaoba, Mr Gbera, Peterson Okopi and Sarah Apekeola.
However, the tribute took place against the backdrop of unresolved questions and disagreements following Toluwanisings’ death.
The singer, whose real name was Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, died in Ibadan on October 14, 2026, after reportedly collapsing. His death subsequently prompted concerns about the emergency medical response and disagreements within the family over where he should be buried.
His personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, alleged that attempts to secure emergency medical treatment for the singer involved taking him to several hospitals in Ibadan. The account has contributed to calls for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, although the information provided does not establish whether any medical facility was responsible for a failure in care.
Meanwhile, a separate dispute has emerged over the singer’s final resting place.
His father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, said he wanted his son buried either at the house the singer built or in Ikirun, Osun State, where his late mother was buried.
According to the father, the widow was uncomfortable with the idea of living in a house where her husband would be buried. The disagreement has added another sensitive issue for the family to navigate following the loss.
The available account does not establish whether the family has reached a final agreement on the burial arrangements.
For Elizabeth, however, the memorial offered an opportunity to express her grief publicly and remember the husband she said she would forever miss. Her plea that he not forget their children became one of the most emotional moments captured at the event, amid continuing uncertainty over the circumstances of his death and the arrangements to lay him to rest.