Gospel Legend Omije Ojumi’s Final Days Revealed as Friend Breaks Silence

The Nigerian gospel music community is in a state of deep mourning following the death of Evangelist Bunmi Akinnaanu, the iconic voice behind the timeless hit “Omije Ojumi.” New and poignant details have emerged regarding her final moments at a Lagos hospital, where she passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026. A close confidant and colleague, Lanre Alewilese, has broken his silence to describe a harrowing end for the singer, revealing that she spent her final weeks in a state of total physical collapse, unable to speak or even open her eyes.

In an emotional video shared following the official announcement of her death, Alewilese spoke about the agonizing experience of watching his friend’s health deteriorate. He explained that her condition had become so severe in the fortnight leading up to her passing that she was effectively cut off from the world, slipping into a silence that foreshadowed the end. Alewilese admitted that he deliberately kept these grim details from the public while she was still fighting for her life, choosing instead to protect her dignity and spare her fans from the trauma of a hopeless update.

The 46-year-old singer’s battle with illness was not entirely unknown to the public, though the sheer gravity of her final days has come as a shock. In late 2025, a video circulated online showing the “Dabira” crooner at a church service in Ibadan, where she was seen seated with a heavily bandaged leg while a cleric offered fervent prayers. During that session, it was revealed that she had been suffering from persistent, unexplained bleeding—a condition the ministry described as a “spiritual attack.” Despite the nationwide prayer chains that followed that viral clip, her health continued on a downward trajectory.

Alewilese’s testimony highlights the private struggle of a woman who spent her life comforting others with songs of faith and endurance. He noted that there was simply “no positive update” to give during those final weeks, and he feared that sharing the news of her inability to communicate would only spark widespread panic. By maintaining a wall of silence, he hoped to give the family and close associates the space to manage her care without the added weight of public hysteria, even as they watched a vibrant life slowly fade away.

Bunmi Akinnaanu’s transition from a successful banking career to full-time gospel ministry remains one of the most celebrated stories in the industry. Her breakout album, Omije Oju Mi, became a national phenomenon, turning her into a household name and a staple in Yoruba-speaking Christian homes. Her music, characterized by its deep spiritual intensity and themes of total reliance on God, resonated with millions who saw her as a beacon of hope. The irony of her final silence is not lost on her followers, who have spent the last few days playing her records as a form of final tribute.

Colleagues like Alayo Melody, who first broke the news of her passing, have expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerians and clerics who stood by the singer throughout her prolonged struggle. The loss is being felt across the globe, with fans in the diaspora sharing memories of her ministrations at various crusades and revivals. For many, Akinnaanu was more than just a singer; she was an evangelist who used her voice as a vessel for soul-winning, a mission she maintained until her body could no longer keep up with her spirit.

As the family prepares for her final rites, the revelations of her silent final weeks serve as a sobering reminder of the physical toll her illness took. While the exact medical cause of her death remains shielded by her loved ones, the focus has shifted to celebrating a legacy that includes hit tracks like “Alatileyinmi,” “Ma-Sunkun-Mo,” and “O Ti Sure.” The “Omije Ojumi” star may have spent her last days in a world of darkness and silence, but her music continues to provide a loud and clear testimony of the faith she championed throughout her life.