Popular Nigerian gospel minister Ebukasongs has found himself at the centre of a raging online controversy following public backlash over how he chose to mourn his late colleague, Olayemi Bolaji, widely known as Toluwanisings.
Toluwanisings passed away suddenly on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, after collapsing in Ibadan and facing rejections at multiple healthcare facilities during emergency efforts to save his life.
While tributes have continued to pour in from across the gospel music fraternity, Ebukasongs’ video tribute has sparked widespread criticism from social media users, with many labelling the presentation as overly dramatic, performative, and staged.
The gospel singer filmed himself alighting from a luxury car and boarding what appears to be a private jet.
He showed himself looking pensive while on the flight and then turned the camera to film the outside of the plane and the flight progressed.
He then wrote a caption underneath the clip, saying that the news of the passing of Toluwanisings was shocking to him, adding that his flight was different and provided him with an opportunity to reflect over the sad incident.
Social media users call out ‘performative’ mourning
Following the release of his tribute clip across social media platforms, commentators flooded online forums to express disapproval, accusing the gospel artist of prioritising social media engagement over genuine grief.
Critics argued that modern mourning culture on social media has become increasingly focused on content creation rather than authentic sympathy:
One user remarked, “Condolences these days are so fake you wonder how people will even behave after you’re gone. No one truly cares.”
Another critic described the video display as staged, commenting, “I can’t stand this guy. So performative.”
Yet another critic recalled that Ebukasong allegedly faked his own death some years back, adding that since then he never took him seriously.
Netizens divided as supporters defend artist’s right to grieve
Despite the heavy wave of criticism, several social media users stepped in to defend Ebukasongs, pointing out that individuals express grief differently and should not be judged during tragic moments.
Supporters urged critics to extend empathy to friends and colleagues affected by the sudden loss rather than policing their emotional responses online.
“Grief is personal, and everyone expresses it differently,” one commentator noted. “Sometimes, we need to give people grace instead of judging how they choose to mourn. May God comfort everyone affected by this loss.”
The debate highlights an ongoing public discussion across Nigerian digital spaces regarding social media etiquette, public mourning rituals, and the fine line between creative tributes and clout-seeking during tragic events.
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