Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe has stepped in to defend the widow of late gospel singer Olayemi Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, urging both the public and his family to give the young mother space to grieve.
In a lengthy Instagram post on October 28, 2026, Aigbe said the widow needs support, not public judgement.
“A young woman has suddenly lost her husband, the father of her two young children. Imagine the trauma of watching your husband die right before your eyes, then having to face the reality of raising your children without him,” she wrote.
She continued:
“At a time like this, she needs love, support, strength and the space to grieve. She does not need to be bullied, judged, dragged or made to defend herself before the court of public opinion.”
Addressing those attacking the widow online, Aigbe pleaded for basic empathy.
“To everyone attacking this young widow, please, have a heart. You may never fully understand what she is going through. Let us be human. Let us show compassion.”
She also turned directly to the deceased’s family, asking them to resolve their differences away from the cameras.
“And to the family of the deceased, I appeal to you with all sincerity: please, for the sake of your son, his memory and the two innocent children he left behind, find a way to settle your differences with his wife privately and peacefully.”
Aigbe specifically asked them to stop granting interviews.
“Grief is already painful enough. Please stop granting interviews that expose private family matters to the public. Not every disagreement needs a microphone, and not every family issue needs to become content. Protect your son’s legacy. Protect his children. Protect the dignity of the woman who was his wife.”
She ended with a direct appeal:
“Please, let this woman breathe. Let her heal. Let her gather the strength she needs to be there for her children. May God comfort both families and give this young widow the strength to face the days ahead.”
Toluwanisings, whose full name is Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji (also referred to as Sodiq Olayemi Bayonle), died on October 14, 2026, in Ibadan after he reportedly slumped. His personal assistant previously said attempts to get him treated at several hospitals faced difficulties. He is survived by his wife, identified as Elizabeth or Akanbi Elizabeth, and their two young children.
Since his death, a public disagreement has played out between the widow and his paternal family, largely over burial arrangements. His father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, has said he wants his son buried in the house he built in Ibadan or beside his late mother in Ikirun, Osun State. Reports indicate the widow prefers a cemetery or church burial ground, citing discomfort with living in a home that would also serve as her husband’s resting place while raising their children there. Family members, including an uncle, have also called for an investigation into the circumstances of the death and have spoken publicly about the disagreement.
Aigbe had earlier criticised bloggers for conducting interviews that she said were fuelling the conflict rather than allowing the family privacy. The burial location remains unresolved, and a service of songs was held in Ibadan on October 27.