Osun philanthropist offers scholarships to Toluwanisings’ children, housing for father - Punch Newspapers

The late gospel artist, Toluwanisings, his wife, Akanbi Elizabeth, and their children...Photo Credit: IG/ Toluwanisings

An Ikirun-born philanthropist and All Peoples Movement senatorial candidate for Osun Central, Ibraheem Luqman, has offered to provide accommodation for the father of late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, and scholarships for the deceased’s two children. The gesture follows public concerns over the living conditions of the singer’s father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, after images and videos showing the state of his home attracted attention on social media. Luqman, in a statement issued by his campaign organisation on Wednesday, said he had dispatched a team to Ikirun, Osun State, to meet the elderly man and communicate his commitment to supporting the family. According to the statement, the philanthropist offered to relocate Olayemi to decent accommodation within Ikirun for a more comfortable living environment. He also pledged to sponsor the education of the late singer’s two daughters. The statement, titled Ibraheem Adekunle Offers Housing, Scholarships to Late Toluwanisings’ Family, read in part, “Moved by concern over the living conditions of the elderly father, Dr. Luqman, who hails from Ikirun, Osun State, dispatched a team to the town today to meet with Mr Olayemi and communicate his commitment to supporting the family.” It added, “As part of the humanitarian gesture, Dr. Luqman has offered to relocate the elderly man to decent accommodation within Ikirun, ensuring that he can live in a more comfortable and dignified environment. “In addition, the APM senatorial candidate has pledged scholarships for the two children of the late gospel singer to support their education and help secure their future despite the loss of their father.” Toluwanisings father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi In a video of the visit shared online, a member of Luqman’s delegation explained the purpose of their visit to Olayemi, telling him that the offer was intended to provide him with a more comfortable place to live and support his grandchildren’s education. “Luqman asked us to visit you for two reasons. Firstly, he is concerned about your housing condition. He said we should find a comfortable place for you to live for at least two years, where you can have peace of mind.Make PUNCH part of your everyday experience.Add us to your Preferred Sources “He also said he wants to sponsor your grandchildren’s education up to the higher institution level, so he would like to have your permission. “This recent event is heartbreaking because our friend who died was one of the stars of Ikirun,” the delegate said. The campaign organisation said the intervention reflected Luqman’s concern for vulnerable members of society and his belief that community responsibility should be part of public service. States hold N264bn UBEC funds as schools struggle No deal to share legislative seats with Osun APC — Adeleke Philanthropist extols journalists for balanced reportage It stated, “While the loss of a loved one leaves a deep emotional void, the support extended to the family is intended to ease some of the practical difficulties confronting them and provide hope for the future, particularly for the children.” The All Peoples Movement senatorial candidate for Osun Central, Ibraheem Luqman The statement further said the intervention was meant to extend beyond expressions of sympathy by addressing the family’s immediate needs and the children’s long-term welfare. However, the campaign statement described the accommodation and scholarships as offers and pledges; it did not indicate that the family had already moved into a new apartment or that the scholarships had been formally implemented. Toluwanisings died in the early hours of October 14, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State, after reportedly slumping. His death generated public concern, with his personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, alleging that efforts to obtain medical attention for the singer involved visits to several hospitals before he died. The University College Hospital, Ibadan, said it had no record of the singer being brought to the facility. The exact cause of his death had not been publicly confirmed in the reports provided. Beyond the circumstances of his death, disagreements within the family over his burial arrangements also attracted public attention. The singer’s father said he wanted his son buried at the house he built in Ibadan or, alternatively, beside his late mother in Ikirun. The widow, Akanbi Elizabeth, was reported to have preferred burial in a cemetery or church ground, saying she would not be comfortable living in a house where her husband was buried, particularly with their children. The late gospel artist, Toluwanisings…Photo Credit: IG/ Toluwanisings A man who identified himself as the singer’s uncle, Lawal Ademola, supported a home burial or burial beside the singer’s mother in Ikirun if the first option was not possible. He also said the widow had objected to taking the body to Ikirun because of the distance. The singer’s grandmother, Sabitiyu Olayemi, also opposed a cemetery burial and insisted that her grandson should be buried at the house he built. She rejected the alternative of burying him beside his mother. The disagreement delayed burial plans and prompted public debate over the preferences of the paternal family and the widow. The reports provided did not establish a final burial location. The family issues also extended to the singer’s upbringing and relationship with relatives. His father said the singer’s mother died when he was about six months old and that he was raised largely by maternal relatives. He also disputed reports that his son was older than 34, saying he was born in July 1992. The singer was survived by his wife and two daughters. At a night of tributes held in Ibadan on October 27, his widow broke down in tears while mourning him and appealed to people not to forget her and their children. Samuel Omotere Samuel Omotere is an experienced journalist covering human interest stories, pop culture, and digital trends. He combines his background as a language graduate with a focus on sustainable digital storytelling.

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