The Nigerian gospel music community has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular gospel singer and evangelist, Bunmi Akinnaanu, widely known by fans as Omije Ojumi. Her passing was announced on Tuesday by her colleague, Ayo Melody, in a statement shared on Instagram on behalf of her family.
According to the statement, Akinnaanu died on January 12, 2026, in a hospital in Lagos. The announcement was accompanied by a photograph of the singer and a short video clip celebrating her life and ministry. The message described her death as a painful loss and prayed for God to grant her eternal rest.
“With great sadness we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, who passed away on January 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital,” the statement read in part.
As of the time of filing this report, the family has not disclosed the cause of her death. However, her passing came months after she publicly asked for prayers over a health challenge involving her leg. The development has raised concern among fans and fellow gospel artistes, though there is no official confirmation linking the earlier ailment to her death.
In October 2025, a video circulated on social media showing Akinnaanu during a church service at G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan, Oyo State. In the clip, she was seated with one leg stretched out on a chair while a cleric prayed for her. During the session, the pastor spoke about persistent bleeding in her leg and described the problem as a spiritual attack. The video sparked widespread discussion online, with many Nigerians offering prayers and words of encouragement.
Despite the attention the video received, Akinnaanu did not later give details about the condition, and no official medical update was made public. Her death has now left many questions unanswered, while admirers continue to reflect on her life and work.
Bunmi Akinnaanu was born into a Christian family and began singing at a young age, according to close associates. She was known for her strong faith and passion for gospel music, which she carried into adulthood. Before fully embracing music ministry, she worked in the banking sector, a career path many considered stable and promising.
However, driven by what she described in past interviews as a divine calling, she resigned from her banking job to focus on gospel music and evangelism full-time. The decision, though risky at the time, later proved significant as her music reached millions across Nigeria and beyond.
Her rise to national recognition came with the release of her song Omije Ojumi, a deeply emotional worship track that resonated with many Christians. The song, whose title translates to “My Tears,” became popular in churches, prayer meetings, and Christian homes. It was often used during moments of intense worship and reflection, earning her the nickname “Omije Ojumi,” which stayed with her throughout her career.
Following the success of Omije Ojumi, Akinnaanu released other songs, including O Ti Sure, which also enjoyed airplay and acceptance among gospel music lovers. Though she was not known for frequent album releases, her songs were valued for their spiritual depth and simple message of faith, hope, and trust in God.
Beyond music, Akinnaanu was also active as an evangelist, ministering in churches and Christian gatherings across the country. Those who worked with her described her as humble, committed, and deeply spiritual. Many fellow gospel singers have taken to social media to express shock and sadness over her death, describing her as a woman who used her voice to bless lives.
Her death comes at a time when Nigeria’s gospel music scene continues to grow, with many artistes blending ministry and music to reach wider audiences. Akinnaanu’s journey from banking to full-time gospel ministry is often cited as an example of personal sacrifice in pursuit of faith.
As tributes continue to pour in, fans and colleagues remember her not just for her music, but for the comfort and inspiration her songs brought during difficult times. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
Bunmi Akinnaanu is survived by family members and a large community of worshippers who consider her songs part of their spiritual lives. Her legacy, many say, will live on through the music she left behind.
