Woli Arole Speaks On Toluwanisings’ Burial Dispute, Warns Against Using Singer’s Death For Social Media Clout

Nollywood actor-turned-pastor Bayegun Oluwatoyin, popularly known as Woli Arole, has condemned the growing controversy surrounding the burial of late gospel singer Toluwanisings, warning people against using the singer’s death to attract attention and engagement on social media.

The clergyman, who shared a video message on his Instagram page on Monday, said he was speaking on the matter because he believed he had been divinely led to do so, citing Proverbs 31:8, which encourages people to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Describing Toluwanisings as a great talent whose death had left a painful void, Woli Arole said, “We've lost a great guy, great gift to a generation." He added that his friends and colleagues were yet to recover from the loss.

He, however, expressed displeasure over what he described as attempts by some people to turn the burial disagreement into an opportunity for social media attention.

“It's sad that a lot of people are now beginning to want to use it as a means for social media attraction,” he said.

Arole questioned why some of those speaking about the singer had not shown the same interest in celebrating his music while he was alive.

Appealing for an end to the public arguments, the pastor urged everyone involved to allow the necessary burial arrangements to be made without further controversy.

“The Bible says that let the dead bury their dead. Whatever process, anything that needs to be done within that corner, let it be done. Let the young man be given a befitting burial."

Woli Arole also maintained that the circumstances surrounding the singer's burial would not erase the legacy he left behind, noting that his music would continue to live in the hearts of those who loved him.

He further urged the public to direct their attention towards preserving Toluwanisings' legacy, particularly through his wife and children, rather than engaging in arguments for online clicks, likes and views.

“Please, you should focus our energy on what is left, how his legacy will be preserved in his children and the wife,” he added.

The clergyman also sympathised with the singer's family, particularly his wife, describing the experience of becoming a young widow as difficult. He drew from his own family's experience following the death of his father, noting that his mother had yet to fully recover from the loss.

The Nigerian Voice recalls that Toluwanisings passed away on October 14, 2026, and a Night of Tributes was held in his honour in Ibadan on Tuesday, October 27.

However, his death has sparked heated debates online over where he should be buried, as his wife reportedly does not want him laid to rest in their matrimonial home, while his family opposes burying him in a cemetery.