An Ikirun-born philanthropist and All Peoples Movement senatorial candidate for Osun Central, Ibraheem Luqman, has offered to provide accommodation for the father of late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, and scholarships for the deceased’s two children.
The gesture follows public concerns over the living conditions of the singer’s father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, after images and videos showing the state of his home attracted attention on social media.
Luqman, in a statement issued by his campaign organisation on Wednesday, said he had dispatched a team to Ikirun, Osun State, to meet the elderly man and communicate his commitment to supporting the family.
According to the statement, the philanthropist offered to relocate Olayemi to decent accommodation within Ikirun for a more comfortable living environment. He also pledged to sponsor the education of the late singer’s two daughters.
The statement, titled Ibraheem Adekunle Offers Housing, Scholarships to Late Toluwanisings’ Family, read in part, “Moved by concern over the living conditions of the elderly father, Dr. Luqman, who hails from Ikirun, Osun State, dispatched a team to the town today to meet with Mr Olayemi and communicate his commitment to supporting the family.”
It added, “As part of the humanitarian gesture, Dr. Luqman has offered to relocate the elderly man to decent accommodation within Ikirun, ensuring that he can live in a more comfortable and dignified environment.
“In addition, the APM senatorial candidate has pledged scholarships for the two children of the late gospel singer to support their education and help secure their future despite the loss of their father.”
Toluwanisings father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi
In a video of the visit shared online, a member of Luqman’s delegation explained the purpose of their visit to Olayemi, telling him that the offer was intended to provide him with a more comfortable place to live and support his grandchildren’s education.
“Luqman asked us to visit you for two reasons. Firstly, he is concerned about your housing condition. He said we should find a comfortable place for you to live for at least two years, where you can have peace of mind.
He also said he wants to sponsor your grandchildren’s education up to the higher institution level, so he would like to have your permission.
“This recent event is heartbreaking because our friend who died was one of the stars of Ikirun,” the delegate said.
The campaign organisation said the intervention reflected Luqman’s concern for vulnerable members of society and his belief that community responsibility should be part of public service.
It stated, “While the loss of a loved one leaves a deep emotional void, the support extended to the family is intended to ease some of the practical difficulties confronting them and provide hope for the future, particularly for the children.”
However, the campaign statement described the accommodation and scholarships as offers and pledges; it did not indicate that the family had already moved into a new apartment or that the scholarships had been formally implemented.