Friends and families of gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, widely known as Omije Ojumi, broke down in tears on Tuesday at an event held in her honour.
The candle night took place at the ECWA Chapel Hall in Ilorin, Kwara State. Videos shared online showed relatives and close friends grieving as others offered comfort.
Among those at the event were Prophet Samuel Olabode, Adegbodu Taiwo, Adegbodu Kehinde and Folashade Taiwo.
Akinnaanu died on January 12 at a hospital in Lagos after a prolonged leg ailment that had drawn attention from fans and members of the gospel music community. In the months before her death she had appealed publicly for prayers for healing while battling the condition.
Burial plans for the singer were earlier cancelled last week. Lanre Alewilese, a close associate of the late artist and member of the burial planning committee, shared an update on social media to say all arrangements had been called off.
In his statement he wrote: “To whom it may concern: This is to inform you that all plans and arrangements for the burial of our late sister and colleague, Lady Evangelist Bunmi Akinnaanu a.k.a. Omije Ojumi, by the Burial Planning Committee has been totally cancelled. This decision became necessary due to some issues arising from and within her family. We deeply regret the inconvenience.”
The cancellation followed earlier announcements of burial rites that were to begin with a service of songs, a candlelight procession and a tribute night in Lagos, as well as a private interment for close associates and family.
