The TolaOluwa Foundation has apologised for a fundraising appeal linked to the late Nigerian gospel singer, Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, admitting that the timing of the appeal was insensitive and caused distress to his bereaved family.
In a statement shared on Instagram on Friday, the foundation said it intended to support Toluwanisings’ wife and children following his death but acknowledged that it should have sought approval from the relevant parties before making the appeal public.
The controversy followed the circulation of a fundraising flyer bearing the name of the TolaOluwa Foundation and appealing for donations to support the singer’s wife and children.
Toluwanisings’ official account had earlier disowned the appeal, describing it as untrue and urging members of the public to report the page.
The account said any legitimate fundraising initiative for the family would be announced through the singer’s official platform.
Responding to the backlash, the foundation said it understood why the appeal had generated concerns, particularly because it was made shortly after the singer’s death.
“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 at a time when his family, friends and community are grieving,” the foundation said.
It admitted that greater consideration should have been given to the timing and possible impact of the appeal.
“We should have considered the timing and impact of our actions more carefully, and awaited approval from the necessary parties,” it added.
Addressing concerns about the legitimacy of its operations, the foundation said it was a registered charity with the Corporate Affairs Commission and had previously provided assistance to people in need.
“We also understand that the post raised concerns about the legitimacy of the appeal. We have a track record of offering help to those in need as a registered charity with the Corporate Affairs Commission,” it stated.
However, the organisation acknowledged that its previous activities did not excuse the way it handled the Toluwanisings appeal.
“Nonetheless, we take responsibility for how we communicated on this occasion,” the foundation said.
The foundation further disclosed that it had contacted a representative of the singer’s family and resolved the matter.
It said its immediate priority was to respect the family’s privacy and allow them to mourn without further pressure.
“Our priority now is to respect the family’s privacy and give them space to grieve,” it stated.
It also promised that any future fundraising effort connected to the singer’s family would only be undertaken with the family’s wishes and with clear information about the management of donations.
“Any future support initiative we share will be guided by the family’s wishes, with clear communication about how any funds would be managed,” the foundation said.
Apologising to the singer’s relatives, friends and others affected by the controversy, the organisation thanked those who raised concerns about the appeal.
“To his family, loved ones and everyone hurt by the previous post, we are truly sorry. Thank you to those who expressed their concerns and held us accountable in love,” it said.
The foundation concluded by urging that Toluwanisings’ memory be treated with dignity and respect.
“May his memory be honoured with love, dignity and respect,” it stated.
Toluwanisings’ family announced his death on Wednesday, saying the 41-year-old gospel minister died in the early hours of October 14, 2026.
The family described him as a “dearly loved husband, family member, and gospel minister” and appealed for prayers for his wife and loved ones.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
His death has since triggered an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues and members of Nigeria’s gospel music community.
