Toluwanisings: Foundation apologises over ‘insensitive’ fundraiser

The TolaOluwa Foundation has apologised for a fundraising appeal it shared following the death of Nigerian gospel singer, Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, admitting that the timing of the appeal was insensitive and caused distress to the bereaved family and others mourning him.

The foundation, in a statement posted on Instagram on Friday, said the appeal was intended to provide support for the late singer’s wife and children but acknowledged that it should have exercised greater caution before making the request public.

“Our intention was to offer support to his wife and children. However, we recognise that posting an appeal so soon after his passing was insensitive and caused distress at a time when his family, friends and community are grieving,” the statement read.

It admitted that it should have considered the timing and possible impact of the appeal more carefully, adding that it ought to have waited for approval from the relevant parties before publishing it.

“We should have considered the timing and impact of our actions more carefully, and awaited approval from the necessary parties,” the foundation stated.

The fundraising appeal also raised questions about its legitimacy, prompting the foundation to address concerns about its operations and status.

It maintained that it was a registered charity with the Corporate Affairs Commission and had a history of providing assistance to people in need.

We also understand that the post raised concerns about the legitimacy of the appeal. We have a track record of offering help to those in need as a registered charity with the Corporate Affairs Commission,” it said.

Despite defending its record, the foundation acknowledged that its previous work did not excuse how it handled the appeal following the singer’s death.

“Nonetheless, we take responsibility for how we communicated on this occasion,” the statement added.

The foundation further disclosed that it had contacted the relevant parties and resolved the issue. It said it would now prioritise the family’s privacy and give them the necessary space to mourn their loss.

We have been in contact with the necessary parties and have resolved the issue. Our priority now is to respect the family’s privacy and give them space to grieve,” it stated.

It also pledged to take a different approach to any future fundraising initiative connected to the family, promising that such efforts would be guided by the family’s wishes and accompanied by clear information on the management of donations.

“Any future support initiative we share will be guided by the family’s wishes, with clear communication about how any funds would be managed,” the foundation said.

Apologising to the singer’s family, friends and others who were hurt by the appeal, the organisation thanked members of the public who raised concerns about the post.

“To his family, loved ones and everyone hurt by the previous post, we are truly sorry. Thank you to those who expressed their concerns and held us accountable in love,” it said.

The statement ended with a call for the late singer’s memory to be respected, saying, “May his memory be honoured with love, dignity and respect.”

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the family of Bolaji announced his death in a statement posted on the singer’s TikTok account on Wednesday.

The family said the gospel minister died in the early hours of October 14, 2026, describing him as “a dearly loved husband, family member, and gospel minister.”

“With deep sorrow, the family announces the passing of Minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM), who passed away in the early hours of 14 October 2026,” the statement read.

The family also appealed to fans, colleagues and well-wishers to remember his wife, relatives and loved ones in their prayers during the difficult period. It said details of the funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.

The singer’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media, with fans and colleagues expressing sorrow over his passing.