The family of late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile, popularly known as ToluwaniSings, has disowned a viral fundraising campaign soliciting financial donations for his wife and children.
A flyer circulating across social media platforms, purportedly issued by The Tolaoluwa Foundation, urged members of the public to contribute towards supporting the deceased singer’s family.
Titled “In loving memory of Minister Olayemi Bayonile (ToluwaniSings)”, the appeal stated that funds were being raised to provide care, comfort and practical support for the singer’s wife and children following his death.
The flyer read in part: “As we honour the life and memory of our dear friend, we are raising funds to support the wife and children he leaves behind… Your kindness will help provide care, comfort and practical support during this difficult time.”
However, the deceased singer’s family on Thursday evening rejected the fundraising appeal, describing it as false.
The family issued the warning through ToluwaniSings’ verified Instagram page, where it reposted the circulating flyer with a bold “Disclaimer” caption.
“Disclaimer! This is not true, please. Please report this page en masse. If something like this ever comes up, it will be from this page. Thank you,” the family stated.
The post had attracted several thousand likes at press time as the family sought to alert sympathisers and members of the public to the fraudulent appeal.
The disclaimer is particularly significant as the fundraising flyer specifically claimed that donations would be used to support the singer’s wife and children, potentially exposing grieving fans and well-wishers to financial loss.
By directing members of the public to report the page responsible for the appeal, the family also made clear that any legitimate fundraising initiative on behalf of the deceased singer’s family would be announced through his verified social media platform.
ToluwaniSings’ death has continued to attract tributes from fans, colleagues and members of the gospel music community, with sympathisers mourning the singer and offering condolences to his family.
The family’s warning underscores the need for members of the public to verify fundraising appeals through official channels before making donations, particularly following the death of a public figure.
