Fresh voice recordings allegedly involving late gospel singer Olayemi Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, and members of his family have surfaced online, reopening the controversy surrounding his relatives just days after his burial.
One of the recordings, shared by social media personality Yinka TNT, allegedly captured the singer expressing frustration over repeated financial demands from members of his maternal family.
In the audio, Toluwanisings reportedly mentioned requests for N6m and N12m, claiming the demands were affecting his plans to provide his wife with money to start a business.
He was also heard expressing anger over what he described as a lack of appreciation for his financial support.
“If anybody says I have not done enough, God will judge that person. The mother told me that I am not God and that he should not beg me again. I don’t have anything to do with his school fees again,” he reportedly said.
The singer further lamented that money he had set aside to support his wife’s business plans had been diverted because of the demands.
“The least money he is asking for is N6m; I have to put off the money I’m supposed to give to my wife to start her business all because of Taye,” he said.
The recording has triggered widespread reactions on social media, with some users expressing sympathy for the singer’s widow and questioning the financial demands allegedly placed on him by his relatives.
However, another recording, purportedly featuring the mother of a relative identified as Taye, later emerged. In the audio, the woman appeared to defend her family, accusing the late singer of being ungrateful despite the assistance they had allegedly given him.
“Have you forgotten all that I have done for you? Who is teaching you all this you are saying?” she reportedly asked.
Another family member, Taiwo Olawoyin, has also spoken out, denying allegations that he received money from the singer as a gift or influenced his decision not to establish a business for his wife.
Olawoyin said he had never been financially entitled to his brother’s wealth since relocating to the United Kingdom.
“Ever since I have been in the UK, I have never been entitled to everything my brother gave me. He gave me £160. Where is this coming from? Why is she making up lies?” he said.
He insisted that the decision not to open a shop for the widow was entirely the singer’s choice and had nothing to do with him.
“Your husband did not open shop for you, not because of me. Your husband decided not to do all the stuff for you,” Olawoyin added.
He also rejected suggestions that he had stood in the way of his brother’s career or financial progress, pointing to the houses he built, shows he organised and cars he bought and sold.
“My brother has built houses, held several shows, bought and sold cars. I have never been a hindrance to his success,” he said.
Olawoyin further maintained that any money he received from the singer was a loan, not a gift, and that he intended to repay it.
“This guy and I started from nothing, sharing one fish between us. Where was she then? So, if I asked my brother for money, I deserved it. Besides, I was not asking him for money as a gift; I borrowed it, and I am going to pay it back,” he said.
Gospel singer apologises over N6m fundraising
The controversy has also drawn a response from gospel singer Lanre Alewilese, who apologised to the widow over a N6m fundraising effort he organised to cover the tuition fees of the UK-based relative.
Alewilese said he acted based on the information available to him at the time but later realised that the situation was different from what he had understood.
The latest development comes days after Toluwanisings was buried at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, following weeks of disagreement between his widow, Elizabeth Olayemi, and members of his family over where he should be laid to rest.
The singer was buried on Monday after a funeral service at Banjola Event and Conference Centre, Alakia, Ibadan. His remains were subsequently taken to his residence for interment.
His family, particularly his father, Muniru Olayemi, had opposed a cemetery burial, insisting that he should be buried at his residence or beside his late mother in Ikirun, Osun State.
The Oyo State Police Command eventually intervened, with the parties signing a peace undertaking before the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, on November 3. They agreed to maintain peace and avoid further public exchanges.
However, the emergence of the alleged voice recordings has brought the family dispute back into the spotlight, shifting attention from the burial disagreement to the singer’s financial dealings and strained relationships with some relatives.
