Nigerian gospel singer, Alayo Melody, has opened up on the circumstances that prevented his late colleague, Bunmi Akinnanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, from travelling to India for advanced medical treatment before her death.

Speaking via his Instagram page on Thursday, Alayo revealed that although plans were in place to fly the singer abroad, her deteriorating health made the journey impossible. According to him, Omije was already too weak by the time her travel documents were approved.

Alayo disclosed that her visa application was processed three times before it was eventually approved, with respected clerics, Prophet Sam Ojo and Prophet Taiwo Ojo, stepping in to cover the cost of both the visa processing and the proposed medical treatment.

“I appreciate everyone who stood by Omije Ojumi when she was sick. Prophet Sam Ojo and Prophet Taiwo Ojo really did a lot,” he wrote.
“There was a time we decided to fly her out to India and these two prophets decided to foot the bill of the visa processing and medical treatment. The application was done three times before it was approved. By the time the visa was approved, Omije was so weak and the doctors said she was not fit to fly.”

Beyond explaining the failed travel plans, Alayo also used the moment to address a sensitive issue within the religious space. He appealed to prophets and spiritual leaders to stop publicly sharing visions of death concerning public figures on social media, urging them instead to communicate such matters privately.

“I want to appeal to prophets to stop going on the social media and telling their followers that they saw death visions about our celebs. If you see any bad vision about anyone, please contact them privately. Everybody will die one day. May God bless us with long life,” he added, noting that burial arrangements for Omije Ojumi would be announced in due course.

Bunmi Akinnanu passed away on January 12 in Lagos at the age of 46. She rose to prominence with her hit gospel song ‘Omije Ojumi’, which became a favourite in churches and Christian homes across Nigeria. Before fully embracing gospel music, she had a successful career in the banking sector.

Opinion: A Painful Reminder About Health, Timing, and Sensitivity

Omije Ojumi’s passing is a sobering reminder that good intentions, support, and resources sometimes come too late when health challenges escalate rapidly. The efforts made to save her life—especially the repeated visa applications and financial backing—reflect how deeply she was loved within the gospel community.

Alayo Melody’s appeal to prophets also strikes a necessary chord. In moments of grief, public declarations of death visions often deepen pain rather than offer comfort. Compassion, discretion, and prayer can go a long way in preserving hope and dignity.

As fans and fellow worshippers mourn Omije Ojumi, her legacy remains in the songs that lifted spirits and strengthened faith. Her story also quietly urges society to prioritize timely healthcare and to show greater sensitivity, especially when dealing with matters of life and death.