Omije Ojumi Burial Plans Halted

The Nigerian gospel music fraternity was thrown into a state of confusion and deep disappointment on Saturday following the abrupt suspension of burial arrangements for the late Lady Evangelist Bunmi Akinnaanu. Popularly known to her millions of followers as Omije Ojumi, the singer’s final transition has been complicated by what insiders describe as a significant internal family crisis.

This shocking development was officially confirmed through a public statement released by Lanre Alewilese, a prominent associate of the deceased and a core member of the burial planning committee. The announcement quickly went viral across social media platforms, catching many mourners off guard who had already made logistical preparations to attend the various ceremonies in honor of the late vocal powerhouse.

According to the statement, the decision to halt the proceedings was not a choice made by the professional organizers but was forced by a lack of consensus within the Akinnaanu household. Alewilese noted that the burial committee has been forced to withdraw all planned activities because of the prevailing issues that have surfaced among the relatives of the departed gospel icon.

The announcement was directed to the public at large, stating that all plans and arrangements previously sanctioned by the committee have been totally cancelled for the time being. This move underscores the severity of the friction within the family, as it is relatively rare for a high-profile funeral in the Nigerian gospel scene to be suspended just days before its scheduled commencement.

Mourners were told that this difficult decision became necessary specifically due to issues arising from and within her immediate family circle. The planning committee expressed their deep regret over the inconvenience this would cause to the thousands of fans, fellow ministers, and international delegates who were expecting to celebrate the life of the woman whose voice touched millions.

Bunmi Akinnaanu passed away on January 12 at a medical facility in Lagos, marking the end of a long and widely publicized battle with a chronic health challenge. For several years, the singer had struggled with a persistent leg ailment that had significantly impacted her mobility but never dampened her spiritual resolve or her commitment to her ministry.

Her health journey had been a focal point for the Nigerian gospel community for a long time. Many of her colleagues had organized prayer chains and financial support systems, hoping for a miraculous recovery before her eventual passing earlier this month. The news of her death had originally brought a sense of somber closure, which has now been replaced by anxiety due to the current logistical impasse.

Prior to this sudden cancellation, a comprehensive itinerary had been circulated to the public, detailing a series of emotional events designed to honor her legacy. The original schedule was set for January 20 and 21, 2026, and was expected to draw a massive crowd of worshippers and entertainment figures to the city of Lagos for a final farewell.

The original plans included a solemn service of songs, which was to serve as a platform for various church leaders to testify to her impact. This was to be followed by a candlelight procession, a symbolic walk often held for influential figures in the creative arts to signify the light they brought to the world through their unique talents.

Another major highlight of the scrapped schedule was the “Artistes’ Night.” This event was anticipated to be one of the largest gatherings of indigenous gospel musicians in recent years, with many top-tier singers already confirming their participation to perform tributes in honor of their late colleague.

The final burial ceremony was intended to take place on the second day of the program, bringing to a close a life defined by musical excellence and spiritual fervor. These details had been officially shared by gospel singer Alayo Melody, who was acting on behalf of the family and the committee to ensure a wide reach for the funeral information.

However, the current situation leaves everything in a state of flux. With the planning committee formally withdrawing their involvement and the family yet to reach a new agreement, the remains of the singer stay in the mortuary while her global audience waits for clarity. The vacuum created by this suspension has led to various speculations, though the committee has urged the public to remain patient.

The “Omije Ojumi” brand was built on the foundation of emotional, soul-stirring worship. Her hit song of the same name became a staple in Yoruba-speaking Christian homes and beyond, often used as a soundtrack for resilience in the face of life’s many trials. Her fans now find it ironic that her final rites are currently facing their own set of difficult trials.

As of Sunday evening, there has been no indication of a new date or a revised schedule. The family has remained largely silent since the committee’s announcement, leaving many to wonder if a private resolution is being sought or if the delay will be a protracted one. The absence of a clear path forward has left the gospel music industry in a peculiar period of extended mourning.

Colleagues in the industry are now calling for peace and mediation within the family. Many believe that a woman who spent her life preaching the message of harmony and divine comfort deserves a burial process that reflects those same values. There is a growing sentiment that the current discord is a disservice to the sterling reputation she maintained throughout her career.

For now, the posters and digital invitations that once flooded the internet are being ignored as the public waits for a formal update. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that often accompany the passing of major cultural icons in Africa, where family dynamics and professional planning must find a delicate balance.

The legacy of Bunmi Akinnaanu, however, remains untouched by the current logistical chaos. Her discography continues to stream across platforms, and her messages of hope still resonate. Most observers believe that once the internal family dust settles, the industry will still come together to give the Lady Evangelist the grand and dignified exit she earned through her decades of service to the faith.