Nigerian celebrities, gospel musicians and entertainers have continued to pay tribute to gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, following his death on Wednesday.
The singer’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the entertainment and gospel music communities, with colleagues and fans expressing shock while praying for strength and comfort for his wife, children and other family members.
Nollywood actress Wumi Toriola described the news as difficult to accept in a post on X.
“Toluwanisings….. May your soul rest in peace. This is a very hard pill to swallow,” she wrote.
Gospel singer Adeyinka Alaseyori also mourned the late musician in an Instagram post, expressing faith in God despite the pain of his passing.
“Even in our pain, Lord we judge you faithful. It is well,” he wrote.
Actress Omolara Dark, who described Toluwanisings as her “dearest brother” and “best gospel musician”, said his death had left her heartbroken.
“Heaven gained an angel,” she wrote, while praying for his soul to rest in peace.
Gospel singer Bidemi Olaoba similarly expressed grief over the loss, saying that although the circumstances were painful and difficult to understand, she remained steadfast in her faith.
“Lord, we judge you faithful, even in moments like this when words fail us and our hearts are heavy,” she wrote.
“Even when we do not understand, we choose to trust You. Even through the tears, we hold on to Your unfailing love. Lord, we still judge You faithful.”
Comedian and content creator Woli Agba, whose real name is Ayo Ajewole, described the singer’s death as a painful loss, reflecting on his distinctive voice and contribution to gospel music.
“A VERY UNIQUE VOICE has dropped the microphone and walked off the stage just like that,” he wrote.
He added that Toluwanisings’ passing had left a painful void in the hearts of many, praying that God would comfort his family, friends, colleagues and fans.
Gospel singer Paul Tomisin also paid tribute to the late musician, recalling his humility and willingness to support fellow gospel ministers, even when he was not scheduled to perform at their events.
“My team and I still spoke about how you were worshiping on Sunday and supporting everyone, even when you were not ministering at the event, and that’s just how your heart has always been! The heart of pure love and service to JESUS!” he wrote.
He added, “We judge God faithful and good! Rest in peace Egbon Toluwani.”
Another gospel singer, Dare Justified, described the news as a shock, saying the loss was difficult to comprehend.
“Such a rude shock… This one hits differently. It still feels so unreal,” he wrote.
He added, “Even in our pain, we judge You faithful, Lord. Rest well, God’s soldier. Until we meet again.”
Nollywood actress Jaiye Kuti also joined the tributes, sharing a video of herself singing Toluwanisings’ songs and praying for his soul to rest in peace.
Singer Pelumi Deborah recalled spending time with the late musician just three days before his death, describing the sudden loss as difficult to accept.
“Three days ago, we laughed. Today, you’re a memory. An unfinished conversation, a goodbye we never said, and a heart struggling to understand how quickly ‘see you later’ can become ‘rest in peace,’” she wrote.
“Life is fragile! Oh, so painfully fragile. Till we meet again, Egbon T.”
Entertainer Bimpe Akintunde, popularly known as Wasila Coded, expressed concern for the singer’s wife and children, praying that God would give them the strength to endure the loss. She also recalled hoping that he would recover before coming to terms with the news of his death.
The singer’s family announced his passing in a statement shared on his TikTok account on Wednesday. The statement said he died in the early hours of October 14, 2026.
The family described Toluwanisings as a beloved husband, family member and gospel minister under Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry, also known as TOGOMM.
They appealed to the public to keep his wife, relatives and loved ones in their prayers, adding that details of his funeral arrangements would be announced later.
The tributes reflect the impact Toluwanisings had on those around him, with colleagues remembering not only his music but also his humility, faith and willingness to support others within the gospel community.