The Oyo State Police Command has stepped in to settle the disagreement between the family and associates of the late Nigerian singer Olayemi “Toluwanisings” Bolaji over where to bury him.
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the singer’s family opposed plans by his wife, Elizabeth, and associates to bury him in a cemetery, insisting that his remains should instead be laid to rest at his residence.
The disagreement attracted widespread attention on social media, with the family threatening to exhume his body if the parties buried him in a cemetery.
The family also demanded that the authorities establish the circumstances surrounding his death before proceeding with the burial, citing suspicions of foul play.
Peace deal
The police spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed the intervention in a statement on Tuesday, explaining that the command acted after the disagreement generated allegations of conspiracy, defamation and conduct capable of breaching public peace.
According to Mr Olayinka, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, received reports about the dispute over the proposed burial arrangements, which escalated into heated exchanges across various public communication platforms.
He said: “In view of the potential implications of the disagreement for public peace and order, the Commissioner of Police, exercising his statutory responsibilities under Section 4 of the Police Act and other relevant provisions of the law, directed that all parties be invited to the Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, for an intervention aimed at preventing further escalation and facilitating an amicable resolution.
“Consequently, at the conclusion of the engagement held today, 3rd November 2026, all parties, comprising the deceased’s wife, Mrs Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola; his father, Mr Muniru Olayemi; his friends and associates, including Oyindamola Esther, Babadunmi Gbolabo and Comrade Lawal Ademola Rafiu, as well as the deceased’s personal assistant and other representatives, entered into and signed a peace undertaking before the Commissioner of Police.”
Undertaking
Mr Olayinka further disclosed that the parties had resolved to maintain peace and ensure good conduct.
He said they also pledged to avoid anything that could trigger unrest and discontinue public exchanges, interviews and discussions that might escalate tensions surrounding the singer’s death and other related issues.
“Furthermore, the parties expressly undertook to discontinue the dissemination of information, narratives, allegations and publications relating to the matter through social media platforms, print media, radio, blogs and other communication channels, including publications made through their respective proxies, agents, associates and representatives”, he said.
Mr Olayinka further disclosed that Toluwani’s family, wife and associates resolved to refrain from granting interviews or providing access to individuals and media platforms seeking to publicise further accounts of the dispute.
He added that all parties agreed to caution their representatives and associates against making or circulating statements, sponsoring publications or amplifying content that could revive the disagreement or jeopardise the peace agreement.
“In reinforcing the terms of the undertaking, the Commissioner of Police warned that the agreement must be respected by all parties and extended to their proxies, agents, associates and representatives.
“He cautioned that no individual should take advantage of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the singer’s demise to instigate hostility, promote unsubstantiated allegations or engage in conduct capable of disrupting public peace. Any person whose actions constitute an offence under applicable laws will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.”
READ ALSO: ‘I will forever miss you’ – Toluwanisings’ wife breaks down in tears at night of tributes
Bloggers and media
Additionally, Mr Olayinka urged members of the public, bloggers, media practitioners and other interested parties to act responsibly and honour the agreement reached by both parties.
He warned media organisations and bloggers against circulating unverified reports or content that could trigger fresh tensions.
“All concerned are advised to respect the commitments made by the parties, as any conduct independently amounting to a criminal offence will be addressed in accordance with the law.”
He assured Nigerians that the command would continue to protect lives and property, tackle criminal activities and preserve public order across the state.
Mr Olayinka appealed to all parties to respect their agreements and pursue a peaceful resolution through lawful channels.
This newspaper reported that the “Kabiyesi Olorun Ayo” crooner died after he slumped at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, on 15 October.
Discover more from Premium Times Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
