Fresh details have emerged about the final days of Nigerian gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, who passed away on January 12, 2026, at a hospital in Lagos.

A close friend and longtime collaborator, Lanre Alewilese, has shared an emotional account of the singer’s last weeks, describing the period as deeply painful and difficult to witness.

According to Alewilese, Omije Ojumi’s condition deteriorated significantly in the weeks before her death, leaving her unable to speak or open her eyes, a clear indication of the severity of her illness.

He explained that he deliberately chose to keep her health struggles private, saying there was no hopeful update to share and that making her condition public would only have caused unnecessary distress to fans and well-wishers.

Speaking in Yoruba, Alewilese said:

“In the final weeks before Omije Ojumi passed away, she could neither open her eyes nor speak. I kept her condition private because there was nothing positive to report. I didn’t want to cause unnecessary worry. Watching her struggle was heartbreaking.”

The late singer, who was 46 years old, reportedly spent months in prayer, seeking divine healing. A video that circulated online during that period showed her praying fervently for recovery, prompting an outpouring of prayers and concern from fans nationwide.

Omije Ojumi was widely celebrated for her soul-stirring gospel music, especially her popular song Omije Ojumi, which touched lives and strengthened faith across Nigeria and beyond.

Following the announcement of her death, tributes have flooded social media, with fans, fellow gospel artists, and music lovers remembering her as a gifted minister whose songs carried deep spiritual meaning.

Though she is gone, many say her music and message of faith will continue to inspire generations within the Nigerian gospel music community.