Controversies trailing the de.ath and burial of popular gospel singer Bayonile Bolaji, known by the stage name Toluwanisings, continue as his grandmother has wavered on where the singer should be buried
In an interview in Osun with journalist Dunmininu, uploaded on social media on Monday, Sabitiyu Olayemi, the grandmother said she had helped care for the singer and his mother before he moved to Lagos but had not seen him for more than five years.
The grandmother of the late gospel singer also alleged that he neglected her for years before his death, claiming that he stopped sending her money after occasionally giving her financial assistance.
“We have been taking care of Sodiq (Toluwanisings) and his mother even before he went to Lagos. He attended Arabic schools. When he was in grammar school, I would visit him,” she said.
She said she knew her grandson was a musician but was unaware that he had built a house or held a housewarming ceremony. She also stated that the late singer neglected her.
“I just knew he was a musician. I don’t know he built a house; I wasn’t aware of a housewarming. Even if I call him, they’ll tell me I shouldn’t. It has been over five years since I set my eyes on him,” she said.
The grandmother recalled that the singer once visited her with his wife and first child but alleged that he rarely supported her financially afterwards.
She said she once asked someone in the village to help her place a call to him because she wanted to speak with him.
Speaking on his funeral rite, she stated that her grandchild should not be buried in a cemetery.
“I do not agree that Toluwanisings should be buried in a cemetery. It is at his house that they should bury him. They should not come and bury him close to his mother,” she said.
She insisted that his remains should be buried at the house, adding, “It is not possible; they have to bury him there.”
Toluwanisings’ death has sparked disagreement among family members over his burial arrangements. His father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, had said he wanted his son buried in the house he built or beside his late mother in Osun State.
The father also disputed reports that the singer was 44 when he died, saying he was 34. Meanwhile, a man who identified himself as the singer’s uncle, Lawal Ademola, has called for an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
While speaking of the singer’s demise, the grandmother said, “When I heard he was de.ad, I felt so bad; even though I did not benefit, he is still my child. I know he is still an achievement. I cannot see Sodiq. I have accepted my fate. I wish God had taken me so that I wouldn’t see this evil,” she said.
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