Gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu dies after battle with leg ailment

Bunmi Akinnaanu, the Nigerian gospel singer widely known for the hit song Omije Ojumi, is dead.

Her death was announced on Tuesday in a brief statement shared on Instagram by fellow gospel singer Ayo Melody on behalf of the family. The post confirmed that Akinnaanu died on January 12, 2026, at a hospital in Lagos.

“With great sadness we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnanu Adeoye, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, who passed away on January 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital,” the statement read. “May God grant her eternal rest.”

Akinnaanu’s death comes months after she publicly appealed for prayers while battling a serious leg ailment. In October 2025, she was seen in a viral video during a church service at G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan, Oyo State, seated with her leg stretched out as a pastor prayed for her healing. An intravenous cannula was also visible on her hand, indicating the severity of her condition.

During the service, the cleric told the congregation that the singer had been experiencing persistent bleeding from her leg, which he described as a spiritual attack, and offered prayers against death.

Akinnaanu began singing at the age of 10 and later left a career in banking to pursue gospel music full time. She rose to prominence with Omije Ojumi, a song that resonated deeply with many Nigerian Christians and became popular in churches and homes across the country.

She followed up the success of the song with other gospel releases, including O Ti Sure. Following the announcement of her death, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and colleagues within the gospel music community.