Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye, widely known as Omije Ojumi, was a Nigerian gospel singer whose worship music resonated across Christian communities in Nigeria. She was born on 19 November 1979 in Lagos State, Nigeria, and grew up in a Christian home where she became involved in singing and church ministry from a young age. Her early life was shaped by participation in church choirs and local worship activities, which nurtured her gift for music and set her on a path toward ministry through song.
Akinnaanu’s educational journey took her to Lagos State University, where she studied Industrial Relations and Personnel Management. After completing her studies she entered the workforce, and she spent more than a decade in the Nigerian banking sector. This period of her life equipped her with professional experience and discipline, experiences she later acknowledged helped prepare her for a full‑time commitment to gospel music and ministry.
EXPLORE NOW: Biographies & Cultural Icons of Nigeria
Transition to Gospel Music
After years in banking, Akinnaanu made the deliberate decision to focus her life on gospel music. She began writing and performing songs that reflected her deep Christian faith, and she shared her music within churches and at Christian events. Her style connected emotive worship with personal devotion, and this connection helped her music spread among believers.
The song that brought her widespread recognition was “Omije Ojumi,” a worship anthem whose title in the Yoruba language translates to “Tears of My Eyes.” The song drew on themes of heartfelt praise and intimate worship and quickly became widely used in church services, prayer gatherings and Christian radio programming in Nigeria. The popularity of “Omije Ojumi” made Akinnaanu a familiar name in contemporary Nigerian gospel music and introduced her voice to congregations across denominational lines.
In addition to her most recognisable song, she was associated with other works that reflected her focus on worship, praise and testimony. Her music was often shared and sung by worship leaders, choirs and Christian music listeners who found meaning and encouragement in her lyrics and delivery.
Public Ministry and Influence
Akinnaanu’s impact extended beyond the recording studio and local church. Her music became a resource for worship leaders and ordinary believers alike, forming part of the soundtrack of personal devotion and corporate worship. Omije Ojumi in particular became a song that many worshippers could connect with emotionally and spiritually.
Her ministry also included appearances at Christian events where she led worship. She became known for a genuine and heartfelt approach to her craft, which allowed her to engage with audiences in ways that went beyond performance to ministry. Her influence contributed to the larger tapestry of Nigerian gospel music, especially in the domain of indigenous language worship songs that helped preserve cultural expression within Christian music.
Health Challenges
In late 2025, Akinnaanu’s health became the subject of public attention. Videos circulated showing her at a church service in Ibadan, Oyo State, where she received prayers related to a serious leg ailment. Although the videos showed a significant public response, official medical details about her condition were not released at the time. Her supporters and fans responded with concern and prayed for her recovery, reflecting the deep connection she had built with her audience through her music.
Passing and Response
On 12 January 2026, Evangelist Bunmi Akinnaanu died at a hospital in Lagos at the age of 46. Her passing was confirmed in a statement shared by fellow gospel artist Ayo Melody on social media, on behalf of her family. The statement offered condolences and requested prayers for Akinnaanu’s soul, but it did not disclose the medical cause of her death.
News of her passing prompted widespread expressions of sympathy from fans, colleagues and worshippers across Nigeria. Many reflected on the comfort and inspiration her music brought into their lives, and her death was widely mourned within the gospel music community.
Legacy and Enduring Influence
Bunmi Akinnaanu’s legacy is grounded in her contribution to Nigerian worship music. Her song “Omije Ojumi” remains widely recognised and continues to be sung in churches, at prayer meetings and in personal worship settings. The emotional and spiritual depth of her music helped believers express devotion and praise in ways that resonated with their experiences of faith.
Her journey from a professional career in banking to full‑time gospel ministry shows the importance of calling, passion and dedication in the pursuit of spiritual and artistic goals. Through her music, she contributed to the soul of Nigerian Christian worship culture, particularly as part of the movement that embraced both indigenous language and heartfelt worship themes.
While her life was cut short, her songs continue to speak to new generations of believers. Her influence endures in the worship practices of Christian communities, and her voice remains part of the tapestry of Nigerian gospel expression.
READ MORE: Ancient & Pre-Colonial Nigeria
Author’s Note
Bunmi Akinnaanu’s story is one of devotion, talent and influence in the world of gospel music. From her early involvement in church singing to her decision to leave a stable banking career for full‑time ministry, she followed a path shaped by faith and musical passion. Her song “Omije Ojumi” continues to be sung long after her death, affirming the power of worship music to connect hearts with God. This article highlights her impact, her journey and her enduring contribution to contemporary Christian worship.
References
- ‘Omije Ojumi’ gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu is dead, The Telegraph Nigeria
- Gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu‑Adeoye is dead, Premium Times Nigeria
- Gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu dies after health challenges, TheCable Lifestyle
