Why late gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu ‘Omije Ojumi’ is yet to be buried

The burial of late gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu has been delayed following a disagreement between her family and members of the gospel music community over funeral arrangements.

Akinnaanu passed away on January 12 after battling a prolonged illness that affected her leg, a condition that drew widespread prayers and support from fans, colleagues, and well-wishers across Nigeria.

Following her death, initial burial plans were announced by fellow gospel singer Alayo Melody. The programme included a service of songs, candlelight procession, and tribute night scheduled for January 20 at the LTV 8 Ground in Ikeja, Lagos, with a private burial slated for the following day.

However, the arrangements were later suspended after a crisis reportedly erupted within the family.

Another gospel artiste, Lanre Alewilese, subsequently disclosed that the delay stemmed from unresolved internal family issues.

Providing further insight, a cleric with the Cherubim and Seraphim Global Network, Segun Arole, addressed the situation in a video shared on TikTok. He revealed that the group of artistes who had volunteered to organise the burial withdrew after disagreements over burial dates and what he described as poor communication from the family.

According to Arole, the artistes had already incurred expenses, including the printing of commemorative outfits, payment for the casket, and securing a burial space, before the arrangement collapsed. He added that repeated attempts to reach the family reportedly went unanswered, leading to frustration and the eventual breakdown of the agreement.

Arole appealed to senior figures in the gospel and Fuji music scenes, including Soji Omotayo, Ambrose Shomide, Saheed Osupa, and Wasiu Pasuma, to intervene and help resolve the impasse.

He warned that lingering anger and grudges would only worsen the situation, urging all parties to embrace peace and forgiveness in honour of the late singer.

The family has now fixed a new burial date, with Bunmi Akinnaanu expected to be laid to rest on January 28, 2026.