Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, father of late gospel singer Toluwanisings, has clarified that his son was 34, not 44, as reported by several media outlets. He also recalled how the singer lost his mother at just six months old.
Olayemi spoke in Yoruba during an interview with Dumininu. He said his son, whose real name was Bayonle Sodiq Olayemi, was born in Kano in 1992.
Toluwanisings lost mum at six months
The singer’s father said his wife died when their son was six months old. He explained that the family took her remains to Agba, Osun State, her hometown, at her request.
“I am the father of Bayonle, who is known as Toluwanisings. We gave birth to him in 1992 while we were in Kano, where his mother and I lived. His mother died sadly and left us in this world after the boy was six months old, and we had to bring her corpse home to his mother’s place in Agba, Osun State, based on a request.”
Olayemi said his wife’s family asked to raise the boy after her burial. Although he wanted his son to stay with him, Toluwanisings grew up with his maternal relatives. His mother’s elder sister and his paternal aunt also helped raise him.
He added that the singer attended Methodist Secondary School in Agba.
Father speaks on singer’s faith
Olayemi said he had no problem with his son becoming a Christian. He noted that the singer behaved well and that some members of their family were also Christians.
He added that Toluwanisings later asked him to relocate to the South. The singer also kept in touch with his siblings.
Toluwanisings’ father wants him buried at home
Olayemi said he learnt of his son’s death while attending an event on Wednesday. He received a call asking him to return home and later saw pictures of the singer online with RIP inscriptions.
Toluwanisings reportedly slumped at home on October 14. Efforts to save his life allegedly involved several hospitals before he arrived dead at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
His burial plans have also caused disagreement between his father and wife. Olayemi wants him buried in the house he recently built, describing it as his glory. Alternatively, he wants his son buried in Agba, beside his mother.
However, the singer’s wife reportedly prefers a burial in a cemetery or church. She said she would be uncomfortable living in a house where her husband was buried.
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