The father of late gospel musician Toluwanisings has appealed to his son’s wife to allow him to be buried at home or within the family compound, revealing a disagreement over the burial arrangements following the singer’s death.
Muniru Adekunle Olayemi said he wanted his son buried at home rather than in a church or cemetery, arguing that fulfilling the request would bring him comfort as the family grieves the loss.
Toluwanisings, whose real name was reported as Sodiq Olayemi Bayonle, died on October 14, 2026. His death prompted tributes from members of the gospel music community and other admirers.
In a recent interview, Olayemi said he approached his son’s wife after learning of the death online and asked her to permit a home burial.
He alleged that she rejected the request and preferred that the singer be buried in a cemetery.
“I don’t want him buried in a church or cemetery. I want him buried in his house and that will make me happy,” the father said.
Olayemi’s account has brought attention to the reported disagreement between the two parties over where the late musician should be laid to rest.
The father also spoke about his son’s childhood and family background, explaining that Toluwanisings was born in 1992 and lost his mother when he was still an infant.
According to Olayemi, the child’s maternal relatives took him in following his mother’s death and played an important role in his upbringing.
He said his late son’s early years were shaped by the Christian environment in which he grew up, as his maternal relatives were Christians.
Olayemi nevertheless maintained that his son had a Muslim name and explained that members of the wider family had different religious backgrounds.
He also said he remained in contact with his son and that his family contributed to his education and welfare.
The father described Toluwanisings as a caring family member who maintained relationships with his younger half-siblings and supported them when he could.
He recalled that his son had discussed plans to help one of his younger relatives shortly before his death, making the loss particularly painful for the family.
The reported disagreement over burial arrangements has added another emotional dimension to the family’s bereavement.
Disputes involving burial locations and funeral arrangements can arise when relatives have different expectations about family traditions, religious practices, the wishes of the deceased and the responsibilities of those organising the funeral.
In this case, the competing positions have been presented through the father’s account. The wife’s reasons for preferring a cemetery burial were not independently established in the information provided.
The final arrangements, including the location of the burial and any agreement between the parties, were also not confirmed in the account available.
As the family mourns the singer, a resolution may require communication between those responsible for the arrangements and consideration of the deceased’s known wishes, where these can be established.