Dare Babalola
The burial plans for singer Lady Evang. Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi have been cancelled.
The development was made public but the deceased’s colleague, Alayo Melody, who is also a member of the burial planning committee, in a terse statement on Sunday.
Alayo cited issues arising from within the family as the reason.
In a statement, the committee expressed regret for any inconvenience caused, saying, “This decision became necessary due to some issues arising from and within her Family. We are deeply sorry and regret the inconveniences.”
Omije Ojumi was a respected figure in the gospel music community. Further details on the revised burial arrangements have not been disclosed.
The gospel artiste died on January 12 after a prolonged battle with a serious leg ailment, a condition that had drawn widespread concern from fans and members of the gospel music community.
Months before her death, Akinnaanu had publicly appealed for prayers and healing while struggling with the illness.
Earlier, the initial burial arrangements were announced by Alayo Melody in an Instagram post last Friday, alongside a flier detailing the programme of events.
According to the cancelled schedule, the burial ceremonies will begin on Tuesday, January 20, with a service of songs at the LTV 8 Ground, Ikeja, Lagos. This will be followed by a candlelight procession at 7pm and a tribute and artistes’ night scheduled for 8pm the same day.
The interment service was to take place on Wednesday, January 21.
Akinnaanu, who started singing at the age of 10, left a career in banking to pursue gospel music full-time.
She rose to prominence with her hit song Omije Ojumi, which resonated deeply with Nigerian Christians and became popular in churches and homes across the country.
