Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The personal assistant to gospel singer ToluwaniSings, Babadunni Olayemi, has disclosed that the musician was taken to between seven and eight hospitals in Ibadan, Oyo State, after he suddenly slumped, but efforts to secure medical attention were unsuccessful.
ToluwaniSings, whose real name was Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, died on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. He was known for gospel songs, including A Very Big God and Onibuore, which gained him recognition among worshippers.
Speaking on Thursday, Babadunni said the singer appeared healthy before the incident and that he was not present when the collapse occurred. He said he rushed to the scene after receiving a phone call.
“I am Babadunni Gbolabo. I am the PA to ToluwaniSings. When it happened in the morning, I wasn’t here, so they called me and I came,” he said.
According to him, those present initially attempted to resuscitate the singer before taking him to different hospitals in search of emergency medical care.
“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.
“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,” Babadunni said.
He explained that some hospitals cited an ongoing doctors’ strike as a reason for their inability to provide treatment, while others declined to admit the singer.
The aide added that ToluwaniSings’ body had been deposited at a mortuary, with the family expected to determine the next steps after consultations.
“The family members are here. So, we are all just managing the situation, as the body is currently at the mortuary. Once the family members hold their meeting and are clear on things, that is when we will know the next step to take.
“But they haven’t done the necessary things. Whatever they conclude upon arrival, that is what we will execute,” he said.
The singer’s death was confirmed by his family. His passing has drawn attention to the circumstances surrounding his sudden collapse and the reported difficulties encountered while seeking emergency medical care in Ibadan.
