Emotions ran high and tensions spilled into public view on Thursday, January 29, 2026, during the burial of late gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, best known for her song Omije Ojumi, as a confrontation between family members disrupted the graveside ceremony.
Akinnaanu, who passed away on January 12 after a prolonged illness, was laid to rest at Atan Cemetery, Yaba, in a modest and solemn ceremony marked by hymns, prayers, and traditional rites, including the symbolic sprinkling of sand on her coffin.
However, the atmosphere shifted when relatives of her estranged husband reportedly attempted to facilitate contact between him and the children during the burial.
In a video now circulating online, a man said to be the singer’s estranged husband appeared on a video call, expressing affection and asking to speak with the children.
The request was firmly rejected by Akinnaanu’s son, who appeared visibly distressed and angry, refusing his father access and objecting to his presence, even virtually at their mother’s burial.
The moment triggered a brief but tense exchange between both sides of the family before calm was restored.
Earlier in the ceremony, Akinnaanu’s eldest daughter, Jomiloju, delivered an emotional tribute, describing her mother as a woman who carried the burden of raising her children largely alone.
She spoke of years of hardship, resilience, and unwavering maternal dedication after their father left, painting a picture of a woman who sacrificed deeply for her family.
The graveside incident has sparked widespread reactions online, with many expressing sympathy for the children.
Instagram user @official_kaimalight wrote, “This boy is going through pain, very valid reaction.” Another user, @ade.xo.xo, commented, “How can an adult disrupt the peace of mourning innocent kids for God’s sake? He couldn’t wait till after the burial?” @towelsandbeddings, added, “This is so disheartening. Can’t all these be done at home? Why at the interment?”
Following Akinnaanu’s passing, an initial burial programme that included a service of songs, candlelight procession, and private interment scheduled for January 21 was announced but later suspended and cancelled due to internal disagreements.
Speaking during a service of songs and artistes’ night held on Wednesday, January 28, the singer’s brother-in-law, Femi Eretan, explained that the family ultimately chose to take full control of the burial arrangements.
He said disagreements arose after some members of the gospel music community volunteered to organise the burial.
According to Eretan, the family head, Wale Akinnaanu, had initially agreed to a proposal to bury the singer within a week, considering her fragile health before death, the emotional strain on the family, and concerns about keeping her remains in the morgue for too long.
Eretan also addressed online claims by a self-acclaimed prophet who alleged that the family publicly solicited funds and sought help from gospel artistes to bury the late singer. He denied the accusation.
“I am from Ondo State, and I understand the rudiments of the law. Anyone who claims the family begged for burial funds must provide proof,” Eretan said.
Despite the emotional farewell and tributes celebrating Akinnaanu’s life and music, the family confrontation has become a major talking point online, shifting attention from the singer’s legacy to the circumstances surrounding her final moments.