Fresh twists continue to emerge in the family tensions surrounding the late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, just days after his burial. A UK-based relative has pushed back hard against claims that he stopped the singer from financially empowering his widow, while fellow gospel artiste Lanre Alewilese has publicly apologised for organising a ₦6 million fundraising effort that sparked widespread backlash.
Taiwo Olawoyin, also referred to in some reports as Shadrach Taiwo, addressed the allegations in a voice note shared by vlogger Yinka TNT. He firmly rejected suggestions that he influenced Toluwanisings against supporting his wife, Elizabeth Damilola.
“Your husband that did not open shop for you, not because of me. Your husband decided not to do all the stuff for you,” Taiwo said in the recording.
He insisted the late singer was an adult who made his own choices and that those decisions should not be blamed on others.Taiwo also spoke about money he received from the singer during his lifetime. He maintained that the funds were loans rather than gifts and that he never hindered his relative’s progress.
“I borrowed it from him, I loaned it from him, and I’m going to return it,” he stated.
The comments come amid ongoing public scrutiny of the financial ties between the late musician and some of his maternal relatives.
In a separate development, Lanre Alewilese issued a public apology to Toluwanisings’ widow over his role in raising approximately ₦6 million for Taiwo’s UK school fees shortly after the singer’s death. Alewilese explained that Toluwanisings had introduced Taiwo to him as a full sibling from the same parents and that the young man had served as best man at the wedding. He said he only later learned the true nature of the relationship.
According to Alewilese, Taiwo told him that Toluwanisings had promised to cover about £6,500 in school fees just days before his passing, and that his visa was due to expire. Acting on that information and out of concern that the late singer’s earlier efforts would be wasted, Alewilese facilitated contributions from colleagues and associates. He admitted he could not discuss the matter with the widow at the time because the loss was still fresh.
In a Facebook statement titled “PUBLIC APOLOGY AND CLARIFICATION,” Alewilese wrote:
“First and foremost, I, Lanre Alewilese, wish to publicly tender my sincere apology to Damilola Elizabeth, wife of the late Toluwanisings, as well as to my colleagues, actors, and actresses in the movie industry, for acting impulsively regarding Taiwo’s situation by helping to raise money towards his school fees, based on the evidence and information presented to me at the time.”
He emphasised that his intention was never to mislead anyone or create controversy.
“My intention was never to mislead anyone, create controversy, or take advantage of the situation. I acted out of concern, compassion, and a desire to ensure that the efforts of someone I deeply respected were not wasted,” he added.
Alewilese further expressed regret for any hurt caused.
“I sincerely regret any misunderstanding, hurt, or disappointment my actions may have caused. I take responsibility for my approach and hope this clarification helps everyone understand the genuine intentions behind my involvement. Once again, I sincerely apologise to everyone who may have been affected by this situation.”
Toluwanisings died on October 14, 2026. After a public disagreement between his widow and paternal relatives over the burial location, the Oyo State Police Command helped broker a peace agreement. He was laid to rest on November 9 at his Ibadan residence. The recent statements from both Taiwo and Alewilese have kept the conversation around family finances, support for the widow, and the late singer’s relationships firmly in the spotlight.