The family dispute surrounding late Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has taken a fresh turn following the emergence of leaked voice recordings detailing alleged financial demands from his relatives.
The recordings circulating online have triggered widespread criticism of the singer’s extended family and renewed public sympathy for his widow, Elizabeth Olayemi.
In one of the audio clips, Toluwanisings reportedly expressed frustration over repeated financial requests from members of his maternal family, including demands for ₦6 million and ₦12 million. The singer allegedly explained that financial commitments to a relative, Taye, affected his plans to provide business capital for his wife.
Another recording, purportedly featuring Taye’s mother, identified as Iya Taiwo, presents a different account of the family disagreement.
In the recording, she accuses the late singer of ingratitude, arguing that other family members also made financial sacrifices for their relatives. She reportedly cites contributions towards Taiwo’s relocation to the United Kingdom and questions why the singer refused to purchase a refrigerator for her.
However, Taiwo Olawoyin, the UK-based relative at the centre of the controversy, has rejected claims that he received substantial financial support from the singer.
He maintains that Toluwanisings gave him only £160, while describing any additional financial assistance as a loan that required repayment. Taiwo also denies influencing the singer’s marriage, insisting that The singer independently decided not to open a business outlet for his wife.
Meanwhile, gospel musician Lanre Alewilese has apologised to the widow after admitting that he previously raised ₦6 million for Taye’s UK tuition.
Alewilese explained that he initially believed Taye was the late singer’s biological brother and faced possible deportation from the United Kingdom.
Background to the Family Dispute
The latest controversy follows weeks of tension between Elizabeth and her late husband’s relatives over his burial arrangements.
Before the burial, his father, Muniru Olayemi, and other family members disagreed with the widow over where the singer should rest.
The disagreement prompted the Oyo State Police Command to intervene on November 3, when both parties signed a peace undertaking to discourage further public confrontation. Subsequently, Toluwanisings was finally laid to rest at his residence in Ibadan after a funeral service at Alakia.
However, the emergence of the voice recordings has reopened the family dispute, with fresh questions surrounding the financial relationship between the singer and his relatives.
