The TolaOluwa Foundation has apologised for publishing a fundraising appeal shortly after the death of gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, admitting that the timing was insensitive to his grieving family.
The foundation, in a statement shared on Instagram on Friday, said the appeal was intended to support the late singer’s wife and children but acknowledged that it should have sought approval from the relevant parties before making it public.
“Our intention was to offer support to his wife and children. However, we recognise that posting an appeal so soon after his passing was insensitive and caused distress,” it said.
The appeal also raised questions about its legitimacy, prompting the organisation to defend its status. It said it was a registered charity with the Corporate Affairs Commission and had a record of helping people in need.
However, the foundation admitted that its previous work did not excuse the way it handled the fundraising request.
“Nonetheless, we take responsibility for how we communicated on this occasion,” it said.
The organisation disclosed that it had contacted the relevant parties and resolved the issue. It added that it would respect the family’s privacy and allow them space to mourn.
The foundation also promised that any future fundraising initiative connected to the family would be guided by their wishes, with clear information on how donations would be managed.
Apologising to the singer’s family, friends and others affected by the appeal, it thanked members of the public who raised concerns.
“To his family, loved ones and everyone hurt by the previous post, we are truly sorry,” the statement said, adding that the singer’s memory should be honoured with dignity and respect.
Toluwanisings’ family announced his death in a statement posted on his TikTok account on Wednesday, saying he died in the early hours of October 14, 2026.
The family described him as a beloved husband, family member and gospel minister, and urged fans, colleagues and well-wishers to remember his wife and other relatives in their prayers.
It said details of his funeral arrangements would be announced later.
The singer’s death has drawn tributes from fans and fellow gospel artistes on social media.
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