Shock as family cancels burial of late gospel singer Omije Ojumi

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

Family and friends of the late gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, have announced the schedule for her burial rites.

Plans and arrangements for the burial of late Nigerian gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, have been officially cancelled.

The development was announced on Saturday by a close colleague and friend of the deceased, Lanre Alewilese, via a statement shared on social media.

In the statement, Alewilese disclosed that the decision to cancel all burial plans was reached due to unresolved issues arising from within the singer’s family.

“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 statement read.

The late gospel artiste passed away on January 12, 2026, after a prolonged battle with a serious leg ailment, a condition that had earlier drawn concern from fans and members of the gospel music community.

Before the announcement of the cancellation, details of Omije Ojumi’s burial programme had been made public on Friday by fellow gospel singer Alayo Melody, who shared a flier outlining a service of songs, candlelight procession, and interment schedule.

Omije Ojumi, who began singing at the age of 10, left a banking career to pursue gospel music full-time. She rose to national prominence with her hit song Omije Ojumi, which became widely popular in churches and Christian homes across Nigeria.

The gospel artiste passed away on January 12 after a prolonged battle with a serious leg ailment.

Before her death, Akinnaanu had openly appealed for prayers and divine healing, sharing her struggles with the illness that eventually claimed her life.

Details of the burial arrangements were made public by fellow gospel singer Alayo Melody in an Instagram post on Friday, accompanied by an official flier outlining the programme of events.

According to the schedule, activities will commence on Tuesday, January 20, with a service of songs at the LTV 8 Ground. This will be followed by a candlelight procession at 7pm and a tribute and artistes’ night slated for 8pm on the same day.

The interment service is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, and will be held strictly for family members and close associates.

Akinnaanu, who began singing at the age of 10, left a career in banking to pursue gospel music full-time. She rose to national prominence with her hit song Omije Ojumi, a track that resonated deeply with Nigerian Christians and became widely popular in churches and homes across the country.