Babadunni Olayemi, the personal assistant to late gospel singer ToluwaniSings, has said the singer was taken to between seven and eight hospitals in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after he suddenly slumped on Wednesday.
Olayemi, who recounted the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death on Thursday, however, stated that efforts to secure medical attention for him were unsuccessful.
He claimed that some of the hospitals gave excuses, including the unavailability of doctors due to an ongoing strike, while others did not admit the singer.
ToluwaniSings, whose real name was Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji and who was known for gospel songs including ‘A Very Big God’ and ‘Onibuore,’ had reportedly performed at a worship event the day before his death.
Speaking about the incident, Babadunni said he was not present when the singer slumped on Wednesday morning but rushed to the scene after receiving a call.
“I am Babadunni Gbolabo. I am the PA to ToluwaniSings. When it happened in the morning, I wasn’t here, so they called me and I came,” he said.
He said the singer had appeared healthy before the incident and that efforts were made to revive him before he was taken to different hospitals.
“There was nothing wrong with him. He was very fine and in perfect condition. He just slumped. They tried to resuscitate him. They went helter-skelter. They took him to some hospitals, but they were giving excuses.
“Some said doctors were not working because of the strike. Some did not admit him at all. That is how it went. We tried our best, including prayers. We took him to up to seven to eight hospitals in Ibadan, but God said his time was up,” Babadunni said.
He added that the singer’s body had been taken to a mortuary and that the family would decide on the next steps following consultations.
“The family members are here. So, we are all just managing the situation, as the body is currently at the mortuary. Once the family members hold their meeting and are clear on things, that is when we will know the next step to take.
“But they haven’t done the necessary things. Whatever they conclude upon arrival, that is what we will execute,” he said.
