Burial of Gospel Singer Bunmi Akinnaanu Delayed Amid Family–Artiste Disagreement

The burial of popular gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu has been delayed following a disagreement between her family and members of the gospel music community, sparking concern among fans and colleagues who had hoped to give her a befitting farewell.

Bunmi Akinnaanu passed away on January 12 after a prolonged illness that affected her leg. Her health struggles had earlier drawn widespread prayers and emotional support from Nigerians across the country, especially within the gospel music circle.

Shortly after her passing, gospel singer Alayo Melody announced a comprehensive burial programme, which included a service of songs, candlelight procession, and tribute night at LTV 8, Ikeja, on January 20, with a private burial scheduled for the following day. However, those plans were abruptly suspended after internal family issues reportedly surfaced.

Another gospel artiste, Lanre Alewilese, later hinted that unresolved family matters were at the heart of the crisis. The situation became clearer when Segun Arole, a cleric with the Cherubim and Seraphim Global Network, addressed the issue in a TikTok broadcast.

According to Arole, the gospel artistes who volunteered to organise the burial have now withdrawn due to poor communication and disagreements over burial dates. He revealed that some of the organisers had already spent personal funds on preparations, including printing customised outfits, purchasing the casket, and paying for burial space, before the arrangement broke down.

He added that repeated attempts to reach the family reportedly went unanswered, leading to frustration and the eventual collapse of the burial plans. Arole appealed to respected figures in the gospel and Fuji music scenes—such as Soji Omotayo, Alayo Melody, Ambrose Shomide, Saheed Osupa, and Wasiu Pasuma—to help mediate and restore peace.

Calling for calm, he stressed that anger and grudges would only worsen the situation, urging all parties to embrace forgiveness and unity in honour of the late singer.

The family has now announced a new burial date, with Bunmi Akinnaanu set to be laid to rest on January 28, 2026.

Opinion: When Farewell Turns into Conflict

Bunmi Akinnaanu’s burial delay is a painful reminder that even in moments of grief, misunderstandings can overshadow compassion. It is especially heartbreaking when the life of someone who ministered hope, faith, and healing through music becomes surrounded by tension at the point of farewell.

The willingness of fellow artistes to contribute their time, money, and resources speaks volumes about the love Bunmi inspired while alive. That such goodwill ended in frustration highlights a recurring issue in the Nigerian creative space—poor communication and unresolved family dynamics during moments of loss.

Funerals are not just about ceremonies; they are about closure, honour, and collective healing. When disagreements take centre stage, the true essence of remembrance is lost. Beyond logistics, this situation calls for empathy—from both the family and the artistic community.

As Bunmi Akinnaanu prepares for her final rest, one hopes that peace will prevail, not just to settle burial plans, but to preserve her legacy. A gospel singer who spent her life lifting souls deserves to be remembered in unity, not discord. Sometimes, the greatest tribute is not the grandeur of the event, but the harmony of hearts left behind.