Segun Arole, a cleric, has explained the reason behind the delay in the burial of late gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi.
Akinnaanu died on January 12 after a prolonged struggle with a severe leg ailment. In the months before her death, she had appealed publicly for prayers and healing, drawing support from fans and colleagues within the gospel music community.
Initial burial plans were shared by gospel artiste Alayo Melody. The programme included a service of songs, a candlelight procession and a tribute night scheduled for January 20 at the LTV 8 ground in Ikeja, Lagos. A private interment for family members and close associates was planned for January 21.
The arrangements were later cancelled. Fellow gospel singer Lanre Alewilese attributed the decision to an “internal crisis” within Akinnaanu’s family.
Speaking on his TikTok page, Arole, a minister with the C and S Global Network, said the artistes who coordinated the burial plans had stepped back following a disagreement with the family over burial dates.
He said the disagreement disrupted preparations and led to frustration among the artistes, some of whom had already spent money on the arrangements.
According to him, there was a breakdown in communication between both parties.
He said, “instead of the family to call, it was the artistes who were calling, and the family were not even picking up their calls”.
Arole said the situation escalated despite earlier meetings with the family.
“Although all of us sat to deliberate on how to bury Bunmi. And it was the family that gave us the date. I heard that Alayo singer had paid for the casket and the burial ground,” he said.
“At the end of the day, nothing went as planned. Instead of the family to call, it was the artistes who were calling, and the family were not even picking up their calls. They turned it into anger.
“At the end of the day, it did not work. And they have printed clothes and made the burial arrangements.
“The family are now pleading with artistes, but we are saying we are no longer interested. Let us think of one day that we are going to stand before the lord. Please think of the day we are also going to die and face the Lord.
“Pasuma, Saheed Osupa, this matter concerns you all.”
Arole also appealed to gospel artistes Soji Omotayo, Alayo Melody and Ambrose Shomide, as well as Fuji musicians Saheed Osupa and Wasiu Pasuma, to intervene and help resolve the situation.
He added that the family has now fixed a new burial date for Akinnaanu on January 28.
