The Nigerian gospel music community has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, fondly known as Omije Ojumi, after her widely celebrated song of the same title.
Her death was announced on Tuesday via a statement shared on Instagram by fellow gospel artiste, Ayo Melody, on behalf of the family. The post, which was accompanied by a photograph of the late singer and a short video clip, confirmed that Akinnaanu passed away on January 12, 2026, at a hospital in Lagos.
“With great sadness, we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye, OMIJE OJUMI, who passed away on 12th January, 2026, at a Lagos hospital, Nigeria. May God grant her eternal rest,” the statement read.
The announcement was signed by Olawale Akinnaanu on behalf of the family.
While the family did not disclose the cause of death, the gospel singer had, months earlier, publicly requested prayers over a lingering leg complication.
In October 2025, a video that circulated widely on social media showed her during a church service at G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan, seated with one leg stretched on a chair as prayers were offered for her healing.
During the service, the officiating cleric referenced persistent bleeding in the affected leg and described the ailment as a spiritual attack. However, there has been no official confirmation linking the condition to her eventual death.
Akinnaanu’s passing has revived conversations within Christian circles about faith, health, and the need for timely medical intervention, even as tributes continue to pour in celebrating her life of ministry and music.
The late singer began her musical journey at a young age and later made the bold decision to leave a promising banking career to pursue gospel music full-time. Her breakout song, Omije Ojumi, resonated deeply with worshippers and became a regular feature in churches and Christian homes across Nigeria, particularly in the Southwest.
She followed the success of Omije Ojumi with other notable releases, including O Ti Sure, further cementing her reputation as a passionate worship minister whose songs spoke to faith, perseverance and reliance on God.
Her death marks a significant loss to the Nigerian gospel music industry, where she was widely admired for her devotion, humility and soul-stirring performances.