Gospel musicians and close associates of late singer Bunmi Akinnaanu ‘Omije Ojumi’ have spoken out on why they distanced themselves from her burial arrangements, citing alleged family interference, financial disagreements, and security concerns.
One of her colleagues, gospel singer Olaniyi Peters Olusegun, addressed the controversy in a lengthy post shared on his social media page, explaining the circumstances that led many artistes to withdraw from the burial plans.
According to Olusegun, the group had initially agreed to honour the wishes of the late singer, Bunmi Akinnaanu Omije Ojumi, who reportedly instructed close allies before her death that her passing should be celebrated rather than mourned.
He alleged that while preparations were ongoing and substantial funds had already been spent, members of the singer’s family abruptly cancelled the burial plans without consultation.
Family was aware of everything we were doing. They gave us a date and we were working together until suddenly they cancelled it by themselves. We begged them not to cancel it, Olusegun wrote, alleging that the family later attempted to restructure the burial in a way that would generate money.
He further claimed that tensions escalated after a woman who stood by the late singer during her hospitalisation was arrested, while personal items and accounts belonging to Omije Ojumi were reportedly taken for investigation.
That was the point that scared us away,” he said, adding that the cancellation of an event already planned to about 80 per cent completion raised serious concerns among the organising team.
Olusegun disclosed that before pulling out, the group had already printed customised T-shirts, purchased a casket, paid for a burial plot, secured equipment, and booked a venue. He alleged that the family ignored all previously procured items and opted to start afresh.
He also addressed speculation surrounding financial sponsorship, noting that gospel artiste Alayo Melody had personally covered several expenses without receiving money from any external source, contrary to assumptions made by some family members.
Another major point of contention, he said, was a burial budget of ₦7 million reportedly sent by the deceased’s brother, which the colleagues believed could be executed at a much lower cost.
Olusegun added that several members of the group claimed they were spiritually advised to withdraw completely, believing they were being deceived and that their safety could be at risk if they proceeded with the event.
