Leaked voice notes featuring the late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, known professionally as Toluwanisings, have ignited a fresh wave of public controversy regarding his final days and his relationship with his maternal family. The recordings, which surfaced online shortly after his burial in Ibadan, Oyo State, capture the singer expressing distress over repeated financial requests from relatives, particularly his maternal aunt and her son, Taye. According to The Punch, these audio clips have reignited disputes that had previously centered on the location of his burial, shifting the focus toward the financial dynamics within his family.
In one recording shared by social media personality Yinka TNT, Toluwanisings is heard lamenting that money designated for his wife’s business startup was being withheld to meet demands from Taye. He reportedly stated that the least amount requested was six million naira, a sum that forced him to delay plans for his wife. The singer also expressed frustration over the pressure, noting that his mother had told him he was not God and should not be expected to fund all their needs. The Punch reported that these comments have drawn sympathy for his widow, Elizabeth Olayemi, while raising questions about the extent of the financial burden placed on the artist.
The controversy has prompted responses from several family members and associates. Taiwo Olawoyin, a relative identified in the recordings, denied allegations that he received large gifts or influenced the singer’s financial decisions. He clarified that any money received was a loan intended for repayment, citing a shared history of starting from nothing. "He gave me £160," Olawoyin told The Punch, dismissing claims of excessive financial support. He further asserted that he had never hindered his brother’s career, noting that Toluwanisings had built houses and organized shows independently.
Another relative, Taye’s mother, defended her family’s actions in a separate recording, accusing the late singer of ingratitude despite their past assistance. She questioned the narrative presented in the leaked notes, asking, "Have you forgotten all that I have done for you?" Meanwhile, gospel singer Lanre Alewilese apologized to the widow for organizing a fundraising effort for Taye’s tuition, stating he acted on information available at the time but later realized the situation was more complex. The Punch noted that these developments have reopened old wounds, particularly regarding the singer’s death, which occurred after he complained of a nagging headache and exhaustion following a night of performances.