Popular Nigerian gospel voice, Bunmi Akinnaanu, passes away

Bunmi Akinnaanu, the Nigerian gospel singer widely known for her soul-lifting hit Omije Ojumi, has died.

Her death was announced on Tuesday in a brief statement shared on Instagram by fellow gospel artiste Ayo Melody on behalf of the family.

According to the statement, Akinnaanu passed away on January 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital.

“With great sadness, we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnanu Adeoye (Omije Ojumi), who passed away on 12th January 2026 at a Lagos hospital in Nigeria,” the statement read. “May God grant her eternal rest.”

The announcement was accompanied by a photograph of the late singer and a video from the hospital, sparking an outpouring of grief across social media.

Her passing comes months after she publicly sought prayers while battling a severe leg ailment.

In October 2025, a video surfaced from a service at G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan, Oyo State, showing the singer seated with her leg stretched out as prayers were offered for her recovery.

An intravenous cannula was visible on her hand, highlighting the seriousness of her condition.

During the service, the presiding pastor disclosed that Akinnaanu had been experiencing persistent bleeding in her leg, which he described as a spiritual attack, praying against what he termed the “spirit of death.”

Born into a life of music, Akinnaanu began singing at the age of 10. She later abandoned a promising career in banking to fully embrace gospel music, a decision that would define her legacy.

She rose to national prominence with Omije Ojumi, a deeply emotional worship song that resonated with millions of Nigerian Christians and became a regular feature in churches and homes across the country.

She followed up with other inspiring songs, including O Ti Sure, further cementing her place in Nigeria’s gospel music space.

Since the news of her death broke, tributes have continued to pour in from fans, fellow artistes, and church leaders, all celebrating a woman whose music brought comfort, hope, and tears of worship to many.

Bunmi Akinnaanu may be gone, but her voice and message will continue to echo wherever Omije Ojumi is sung.

Very Nigerian.

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