The Nigerian gospel music community is mourning the loss of one of its cherished voices following the death of Bunmi Adeoye Akinnanu, a prominent gospel musician who passed away at the age of 46.
The singer’s death was confirmed on Tuesday evening by sources close to the artist, according to reports from Daily Post. News of her passing quickly spread across social media platforms, where friends, colleagues, and fans expressed their grief and shared tributes to the late musician.
Akinnanu’s death follows a difficult period during which she battled a severe leg condition that had significantly impacted her health in recent months. Earlier this year, the gospel singer made a public appeal for prayers and divine intervention as she struggled with the persistent ailment.
A video that circulated online in 2025 captured a particularly poignant moment during a church service at G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan, Oyo State. The footage showed Akinnanu seated with her leg extended while congregants and clergy offered fervent prayers for her recovery. During that service, a church official revealed that the singer had been suffering from continuous bleeding in her leg, a condition that had prompted the special prayer session.
Akinnanu’s journey to gospel stardom began in the early 2000s when she made the bold decision to leave a stable career in banking to pursue her calling in music. Her transition from the corporate world to ministry through music resonated with many Nigerians and became part of her inspirational testimony.
The singer earned her stage name and nickname—Omije Oju mi, which translates to “Tears of my Eyes” in English—from her debut album, which established her presence in the Nigerian gospel music scene. Her music, characterized by heartfelt worship and emotional depth, touched the lives of countless listeners across Nigeria and beyond.
While she became widely recognized for her hit song “Omije jumi,” Akinnanu’s influence extended throughout the gospel music industry, where she was regarded as a dedicated minister and talented vocalist who used her gift to inspire faith and hope.
As news of her passing continues to reverberate through Nigeria’s religious and entertainment communities, tributes have poured in from fellow musicians, ministry leaders, and fans who remember her not only for her musical contributions but also for her unwavering faith even in the face of physical affliction.
Details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services have not yet been announced by the family.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Nigerian gospel singer Bunmi Adeoye Akinnanu has died at 46 after battling a severe leg ailment that caused persistent bleeding. Best known for her hit song “Omije jumi” and nicknamed after her debut album “Omije Oju mi” (Tears of my Eyes), she rose to prominence in the early 2000s after leaving banking to pursue gospel music. Her death, announced Tuesday, came months after she publicly sought prayers for healing during a church service in Ibadan.
Akinnanu’s legacy remains her unwavering faith and the inspirational music that touched countless lives across Nigeria—a testament to a woman who sacrificed career stability to answer her calling and ministered through song until the very end.
