The personal assistant to late gospel singer Olayemi Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has revealed that the singer was taken to between seven and eight hospitals in Ibadan, Oyo State, after he suddenly slumped, but efforts to save his life were unsuccessful.
The aide, Babadunni Gbolabo, said some of the hospitals reportedly cited doctors’ strikes, the absence of doctors or an inability to admit the singer.
Gbolabo disclosed this while speaking to the BBC at the singer’s residence in Alakia, Ibadan, on Thursday, two days after Toluwanisings’ death was confirmed by his family.
According to him, the singer slumped in the early hours of Wednesday, prompting those around him to seek urgent medical attention.
Gbolabo said he was away when the incident occurred but received a call about the singer’s condition and later joined others in efforts to rescue him.
He said, “At every hospital he was taken to, some said the doctors were on strike, some said the doctors weren’t on the ground, and some said they couldn’t admit him.
“That is what happened. We tried our best to save him, with prayers and everything. We took him to seven to eight hospitals in Ibadan, Oyo State. But God said it was his time.”
The revelation has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the singer’s final hours and the difficulties his associates allegedly encountered while seeking emergency medical care.
Gbolabo added that Toluwanisings had shown no apparent signs of illness before he suddenly slumped, insisting that the singer had been in good health.
He said the family was meeting to decide on funeral arrangements, adding that the singer’s body had been taken to a mortuary pending further decisions by his relatives.
Toluwanisings’ death was confirmed by his family on Wednesday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues and other members of the gospel music community.
The singer was known for his energetic praise sessions and worship songs blending gospel music with Yoruba influences.
His popular songs included Kabiyesi Olorun Ayo, Unreserved Praise, A Very Big God, Onibuore, Eledaand I’m Not Alone.
He also collaborated with gospel artistes, including Tosin Bee and Adeyinka Alaseyori.
As of Thursday, the cause of his death had not been officially disclosed by his family.
