Gospel singer Tope Alabi has threatened legal action against Canada-based pastor Tayo Kumuyi, known as Pastor Tayo Ministries, over allegations linking her to the deaths of gospel artist Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji (popularly called Toluwanisings) and other ministers.
Alabi’s lawyers, Oakmount Legal Practitioners, sent a cease-and-desist letter dated October 24, 2026, to the operators of the Pastor Tayo Ministries Facebook page. The letter demanded the immediate removal of the defamatory posts, a retraction, and a public apology. Titled “Cease and Desist: Malicious and Defamatory Publications and Threats Against Our Client,” it described itself as a final demand and gave a 24-hour deadline for compliance.
The letter referenced social media posts made between October 20 and 24, which allegedly accused Alabi of murder and ritual killings, including the deaths of several gospel ministers. Alabi’s lawyers categorically denied these claims, calling them “false in every particular,” and challenged Kumuyi to provide evidence, stating there is no investigation, police finding, or court decision to support any of the allegations.
The legal team emphasized that Alabi had mourned Toluwanisings both publicly and privately and had no involvement in his death or that of anyone else. They accused the Facebook page operator of exploiting public grief for personal motives, turning “the grief of a bereaved family and a nation… into a weapon against an innocent woman.”
The lawyers also rejected the claim that the accusations were spiritual revelations, describing them as deliberate, reckless, and malicious falsehoods repeated to a wide audience. They noted that the publications had generated significant engagement online, with many readers appearing to believe the allegations.
The letter highlighted a further post made after Alabi’s public warning against defamation, quoting a message that read: “Tope Alabi, no letter will save you from my hand. Your only option is leaving your hiding place.” The lawyers described this as a direct threat and evidence of intent to continue the alleged defamation.
Alabi’s legal representatives stated that the posts are actionable as libel under Nigerian law, as they impute serious criminal conduct and could severely damage her reputation and ministry. They argued that framing the claims as religious revelations does not shield them from legal scrutiny, and that Kumuyi’s Canadian residence does not exempt him from responsibility, as the posts were published about a Nigerian public figure to a Nigerian audience.
The letter demanded the removal of all offending posts, cessation of further defamatory publications, withdrawal of all requests to share the content, and an end to any threatening or harassing statements. It also instructed the recipient to preserve all relevant evidence, including posts, messages, and account records.
Additionally, the solicitors requested a prominent public apology and retraction to remain pinned on the Facebook page for 14 consecutive days, and asked for the factual basis of any remaining allegations to be disclosed, as well as confirmation of any reports to the authorities.
The letter concluded with a warning that failure to comply within 24 hours would prompt legal action, including court proceedings, applications to Meta Platforms, and possible reports to law enforcement. Alabi also reserved the right to seek damages and other remedies as appropriate. The lawyers stressed, however, that their demands do not prevent legitimate reporting or lawful commentary.
The letter was signed by Toluwanimi Okunade of Oakmount Legal Practitioners, representing Tope Alabi. Toluwanisings (Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji) died on October 14, 2026, at the age of 41. Alabi had publicly mourned his passing.
