Nigeria Mourns Passing of ‘Omije Ojumi’ Gospel Singer
Nigeria Mourns Passing of ‘Omije Ojumi’ Gospel Singer
Renowned Nigerian gospel singer, Bunmi Akinnaanu has died after battling a prolonged leg-related illness. The singer passed away on January 12, 2026, in a Lagos hospital, where she had been receiving medical care.
Her death was confirmed on Tuesday by fellow gospel musician Ayo Melody.
Akinnaanu, widely known in gospel circles for her powerful vocals and emotionally charged worship songs, was celebrated for a music ministry that spanned more than two decades. She is survived by her husband and children.
In the months before her death, the singer had struggled with a severe leg condition that caused swelling and persistent bleeding, limiting her mobility.
In October 2025, a video of her receiving prayers during a church service in Ibadan surfaced online, drawing widespread sympathy and calls for prayers from fans and religious communities.
Born Oluwabunmi Alaba Akinnaanu, she was originally from Ondo State but grew up in Lagos. She began her career outside music, working for a commercial bank for about 10 years after completing an Ordinary National Diploma at Lagos State Polytechnic. While still in the banking sector, she obtained a university degree at Lagos State University before eventually resigning to pursue gospel music full-time.
Akinnaanu started singing in church as a child and rose through the choir at the Evangelical Church Winning All in Mushin, Lagos.
She gained national recognition in 2004 after releasing her debut album, ‘Omije Ojumi’, a project that became closely linked with her personal story of hardship and faith.
The song was so popular that many fans referred to her by its title rather than her given name.
She went on to release several other gospel albums, including ‘O Ti Sure’, ‘Dabira’, ‘Alatileyinmi’, ‘Ma Sunkun Mo’, ‘Tujuka’, ‘Testimony’, and ‘Oti Mure Wa’. In 2017, she received recognition from the Ooni of Ife for her album ‘Testimony’.
Known for avoiding frequent media interviews, Akinnaanu once explained that recounting her life journey often moved audiences to tears. She had shared stories of growing up in poverty and serving in church with borrowed clothing, experiences she said shaped her message of perseverance and faith.
With her passing, the Nigerian gospel music community has lost a leading voice whose songs became a source of encouragement to worshippers across the country, particularly among Yoruba-speaking congregations.
