Controversy has emerged surrounding the burial arrangements of late gospel musician Omije Ojumi, as members of her family publicly rejected allegations circulating online that they had asked for financial support to conduct her funeral.
The relatives of the deceased singer described the reports as misleading and harmful, stressing that no member of the family ever appealed to the public or to fellow gospel artistes for financial assistance to cover burial expenses.
The clarification was made during a memorial gathering held in honour of the late singer. The event, which included a service of songs and an artistes’ tribute night on Wednesday, drew friends, colleagues, and admirers who came together to celebrate her life and legacy.
During the gathering, Femi Eretan, the late singer’s brother-in-law, addressed the attendees and spoke firmly about the controversy that had begun circulating on social media platforms.
He specifically criticized a video posted by a self-proclaimed prophet that had gone viral online. In the video, the individual allegedly claimed that the family had been publicly requesting financial help and urging gospel musicians to shoulder the responsibility of organizing the burial.
Eretan dismissed the video as baseless and defamatory, emphasizing that such statements were not only untrue but also damaging to the family’s reputation during a period of mourning.
He warned that anyone making such allegations must be ready to provide credible proof. According to him, accusations that lack evidence would not be tolerated and could attract legal consequences.
At one point during his remarks, he challenged the originators of the claims directly, stating that the family expects evidence from anyone who insists the relatives of the late singer had asked for financial support.
Eretan also noted that his understanding of legal processes informed his decision to challenge the allegations. He maintained that individuals spreading false narratives would be held accountable if they failed to substantiate their claims.
Beyond addressing the controversy, he also clarified the circumstances surrounding earlier discussions about the singer’s burial timeline. According to him, some colleagues in the gospel music community had initially proposed organizing the burial quickly.
However, the family later decided to personally oversee and manage the funeral arrangements after certain disagreements surfaced regarding how the burial should be conducted.
Despite public speculation suggesting internal tensions, Eretan insisted that the family remains united. He remarked that while many outsiders appeared deeply emotional about the loss, the family itself had maintained calm and solidarity while grieving.
He further explained that immediately after the singer’s death, the family followed cultural and traditional protocols. This included informing relatives from both sides of her lineage and consulting with community elders about the next steps.
The family head, Wale Akinaanu, was initially open to the proposal from some artistes who suggested that the burial be carried out within a week of her passing. However, his fragile health condition and the emotional strain of the situation prevented the idea from moving forward.
Following additional family consultations, a new direction regarding the funeral arrangements was agreed upon.
Even with the misunderstanding surrounding the burial plans, Eretan acknowledged the support the family had received from members of the gospel music community.
He expressed gratitude to colleagues, admirers, and well-wishers who attended the memorial service and honoured the singer’s memory through their presence and tributes.
Commentary and Analysis
The dispute highlights how quickly misinformation can spread online, particularly when it involves public figures or widely admired personalities. In the digital age, viral videos and unverified claims can shape public perception before the affected individuals have an opportunity to respond.
For families dealing with grief, such narratives can deepen emotional distress and create unnecessary public scrutiny around private matters like funeral arrangements.
The situation also reflects the strong bonds within Nigeria’s gospel music community, where artists often rally around colleagues during moments of loss. However, differing opinions about how to honour a departed musician can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
Ultimately, the family’s decision to assume full responsibility for the burial underscores their desire to maintain control over how their loved one is laid to rest while protecting their reputation from unverified accusations.
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