Toluwanisings’ Father Finally Speaks Out on Singer’s Muslim Background and Switch to Christianity

Toluwanisings’ Father Finally Speaks Out on Singer’s Muslim Background and Switch to Christianity

  • Toluwanisings father disclosed that the singer lost his mother when he was just six months old, leading to a pivotal change in his upbringing
  • The late gospel singer's father shared details about a promise his son made to a family member just one day before his death
  • The bereaved father made a specific request regarding where his son should be laid to rest

The father of late Nigerian gospel singer Sadiq Olayemi Bayonle, widely known as Toluwanisings, has broken his silence following the death of his son, opening up about the singer's early life, family ties, and final wishes regarding his burial.

Toluwanisings’ father breaks silence on how singer transitioned from Islam to Christianity
Toluwanisings’ father sheds light on singer’s religious upbringing and conversion. Credit: @toluwanisings
Source: Instagram

Speaking publicly for the first time since the tragedy, the singer's father confirmed that Toluwanisings was born in July 1992, making him 34 years old at the time of his passing on October 14, 2026.

He disclosed that Toluwanisings's mother died when he was only six months old. After her remains were returned from Kano, her relatives requested custody of the infant as a source of comfort in their grief.

Read also

Empress Njamah shares plans Francis Duru's wife had for him before his sudden death

The boy was consequently raised by his maternal family, who were Christians, and it was within that environment that he grew up practising the Christian faith.

Despite being raised away from his father, Toluwanisings maintained a connection to his paternal side.

His father noted that a paternal uncle took an active interest in his welfare, covering his school fees, providing financial support, and even purchasing a bicycle for him.

After completing secondary school, Toluwanisings enrolled at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos. It was during this period in the city that he encountered the woman who would become his wife.

The two reportedly crossed paths through a shared membership in a church choir, and he later formally informed his family of his plans to marry her.

His father also addressed questions about the nature of his relationship with Toluwanisings' mother, stating:

"I married his mother in a legally recognised, full marriage, although I had a child with another woman before I legally married his mother."

He added that he was moved by his son's Christian devotion, saying:

Read also

Francis Duru speaks with son in final interview, shares how fate led him into acting

"I was happy when Toluwanisings embraced Christianity because our family has both Christians and Muslims, and I was glad to see him practising his faith."

Following the singer's mother's death, his father went on to remarry and had other children.

Toluwanisings’ father reveals what many don’t know about the singer’s upbringing
Toluwanisings’ father finally speaks out on his age, upbringing and final wish. Credit: @toluwanisings
Source: Facebook

At some point, Toluwanisings reached out and asked to be introduced to his half-siblings, a request his father honoured.

The introduction blossomed into a warm relationship, with the singer reportedly providing financial support to both his father and younger siblings.

Poignantly, the father disclosed that just a day before his son's death, Toluwanisings had promised to help set up one of his younger half-siblings.

"He was a caring son, a supportive brother, and a blessing to his family," his father said.

On the matter of burial, the grieving father expressed his wish for Toluwanisings to be laid to rest within the house the singer built during his lifetime, rather than at any other location.

Watch the viral Instagram video of Toluwanisings’ father speaking on the singer's age and upbringing:

Read also

Francis Duru’s final touching words to his wife resurface after his death

Nollywood stars mourn singer Toluwanisings’ death

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nollywood stars mourned Toluwanisings following his death on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Funke Akindele, Muyiwa Ademola, Nkechi Blessing Sunday and Jumoke Odetola expressed shock and sadness over his sudden passing.

Other movie stars, including Mo Bimpe, Faithia Williams, Eniola Badmus and Adeniyi Johnson, also paid tribute to the late singer, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss.

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Chinasa Afigbo avatar

Chinasa Afigbo (Entertainment Editor) Chinasa Afigbo is a pop culture/music journalist and content writer with over four years of experience in other mainstream media organisations, including Vanguard Media and Guardian Life. She holds a degree in Information Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). She also moved on to pursue a program in media and communications. Chinasa has also been published in other Intl journals, like The African Report. Reach her at: chinasa.afigbo@corp.legit.ng.