The burial of late gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu has been delayed following a fresh disagreement between her family and members of the gospel music community over funeral arrangements.
Naija News reports that Akinnaanu died on January 12 after a prolonged illness that affected her leg, prompting widespread prayers and support from fans and fellow artistes nationwide.
Following her passing, gospel singer Alayo Melody had initially announced a detailed burial programme, which included a service of songs, candlelight procession and tribute night scheduled for January 20 at the LTV 8 ground in Ikeja, with a private burial planned for the following day.
However, the arrangements were later suspended after a dispute reportedly erupted within the family.
Another gospel musician, Lanre Alewilese, subsequently disclosed that the delay stemmed from unresolved family issues.
Further insight was provided by Segun Arole, a cleric with the Cherubim and Seraphim Global Network, who addressed the matter in a video shared on his TikTok page. Arole revealed that the artistes who initially volunteered to organise the burial had withdrawn their support due to disagreements over burial dates and a breakdown in communication with the family.
He explained that the organisers had already incurred expenses, including printing customised outfits, before the dispute arose. According to him, repeated attempts to reach the family were unsuccessful, leading to frustration and the eventual collapse of the arrangements.
Arole added that the burial team had previously met with the family and jointly agreed on a date. He noted that some of the artistes had even paid for the casket and burial plot before the disagreement derailed the process.
The cleric appealed to respected gospel and Fuji music figures — including Soji Omotayo, Alayo Melody, Ambrose Shomide, Saheed Osupa and Wasiu Pasuma — to intervene, help resolve the conflict and offer support to the bereaved family.
He cautioned against allowing resentment and anger to worsen the situation, urging all parties to embrace peace, understanding and forgiveness.
Meanwhile, the family has now announced a new burial date for Bunmi Akinnaanu. She is scheduled to be laid to rest on January 28, 2026.