Popular Nigerian gospel singer Bunmi Akinnanu, celebrated for her powerful hit song “Omije Ojumi,” has passed away. Her death was announced on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, following a well-documented battle with a serious illness.
While her family has yet to release a formal statement, tributes from fans and colleagues have already begun to pour in across social media, mourning the loss of a voice that brought comfort and hope to many.
The singer’s passing came just months after she publicly appealed for prayers. In late 2025, a video of Akinnanu at a church service in Ibadan went viral, sparking widespread concern among her followers.
The footage showed her visibly
distressed and in pain, with a severely swollen leg, as a pastor led prayers for her healing, mentioning a persistent bleed.
The clip mobilized fans and fellow artists, who organized prayer vigils and offered messages of support. Despite this outpouring, her health reportedly worsened in the following weeks.
Bunmi Akinnanu’s journey into music began in her church choir at the age of 10. She later left a career in banking to dedicate herself to gospel ministry full-time.
She shot to prominence with her debut album and its title track, “Omije Ojumi,” a deeply emotional song that became an anthem in many churches and cemented her stage name.
Her career spanned several successful albums, and her music was known for blending traditional gospel sounds with contemporary worship, touching countless lives across Nigeria and beyond.
