Why Gospel Singers Stayed Away From Omije Ojumi’s Burial

According to Ireporter Online, Nigerian clergyman Apostle Niyi Peter has shed light on why fellow gospel musicians were absent at the burial of late gospel singer Bunmi Akinnanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi.

Apostle Peter, in a statement shared via social media, revealed that the singer had been informed by medical professionals of the date of her passing and had subsequently communicated her burial wishes to close friends and associates, expressing a desire for a befitting and memorable ceremony.

He explained that preparations for the burial were already underway, with several gospel artistes contributing towards key arrangements, including the coffin, burial plot, event hall, and the production of over one hundred customised T-shirts. However, the plans reportedly encountered resistance from the singer’s family, who opposed the involvement of the musicians.

According to the cleric, the family escalated the matter by contacting law enforcement authorities and intervening in the burial arrangements. He alleged that the family demanded Omije Ojumi’s phone from a woman who stayed with her during her hospitalisation and insisted on taking full control of the burial process, effectively preventing the artistes from participating.

Apostle Peter stated that the situation became tense, with the musicians allegedly threatened with arrest should they attempt to attend or influence the burial proceedings. As a result, they stepped back to avoid further conflict.

The incident, he noted, serves as a lesson for individuals battling terminal illnesses, advising them to clearly document their burial wishes through legal means. He urged such individuals to involve legal representatives and, where possible, record video messages to ensure their preferences are honoured after death.

Omije Ojumi was eventually laid to rest at the Atan Cemetery in Lagos. Meanwhile, the family has maintained that they chose to handle the burial independently and has dismissed claims that they demanded financial contributions from gospel musicians.