Popular Nigerian gospel singer Tope Alabi has given Canada-based preacher Pastor Tayo Kumuyi 24 hours to retract his social media allegations linking her to the death of gospel singer Toluwanisings and issue an unreserved apology or face legal action.
The ultimatum was contained in a cease-and-desist letter dated October 24, 2026, issued on Alabi’s behalf by her lawyers, Oakmount Legal Practitioners, and signed by Toluwanimi Okunade.
According to Naija News, Kumuyi operates the Facebook page Pastor Tayo Ministries, where the allegations against the singer were published.
Tope Alabi Accuses Pastor of Defamation
In the letter, Alabi’s lawyers alleged that Kumuyi published a series of social media posts between October 20 and 24 accusing the singer of murder and ritual killing and linking her to the deaths of Toluwanisings and other gospel ministers.
The lawyers described the allegations as false, baseless and potentially damaging to their client’s reputation, career and ministry.
“These statements accuse our client of murder and of ritual killing. There is no more serious allegation that can be made against a person, least of all a minister of the gospel. They are false in every particular,” the letter stated.
The legal team challenged Kumuyi to provide evidence supporting his claims, arguing that no investigation, police report or court ruling had substantiated the allegations.
“You have produced no evidence, because none exists,” the lawyers added.
They maintained that Alabi mourned Toluwanisings’ death both privately and publicly and had no involvement in the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.
The law firm also accused Kumuyi of exploiting the public grief surrounding Toluwanisings’ death to attack its client.
Lawyers Describe Social Media Post as Threat
Alabi’s lawyers further dismissed Kumuyi’s reported claim that his publications were based on divine revelations.
According to the letter, presenting the allegations as spiritual messages did not excuse the publication of statements the lawyers considered false and malicious.
The solicitors noted that the posts attracted hundreds of reactions and shares, while some comments allegedly indicated that readers believed the accusations.
The letter also referenced a post allegedly directed at Alabi after she issued a public warning against defamation on October 23.
As quoted by the lawyers, the post read: “Tope Alabi, no letter will save you from my hand. Your only option is leaving your hiding place.”
The legal team described the statement as a threat of harm and an indication that Kumuyi intended to continue the alleged attacks.
“That is not a response to a legal notice. It is a threat of harm, and an open declaration that you will continue,” the letter stated.
Tope Alabi’s Lawyers Demand Retraction and Apology
The lawyers argued that the publications amounted to libel because they accused Alabi of serious criminal offences capable of harming her personal reputation, professional career and gospel ministry.
They also maintained that Kumuyi’s residence in Canada would not automatically shield him from potential legal proceedings, arguing that the publications targeted a Nigerian audience and allegedly damaged Alabi’s reputation in the country.
Among their demands, the solicitors asked Kumuyi to delete the disputed posts, stop publishing further allegations and threats, and preserve all relevant evidence.
They also demanded an unreserved retraction and apology published on the same Facebook page, with the apology pinned for 14 consecutive days.
Additionally, the preacher was asked to provide evidence for any allegations he intended to maintain and clarify whether he had reported the claims to the police.
“Take notice that this is our client’s final demand,” the letter warned.
Singer Threatens Legal Action if Preacher Fails to Comply
The legal team warned that failure to comply with the demands within 24 hours would prompt legal action.
According to the letter, the proposed lawsuit could seek injunctions, general and exemplary damages, and legal costs.
The lawyers also said they could submit complaints to Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, and relevant law enforcement agencies.
However, they clarified that the legal notice was not intended to prevent truthful reporting or legitimate commentary.
Toluwanisings Died at 41
Toluwanisings, whose real name was Olayemi Bolaji, died on October 14, 2026, aged 41.
The singer’s death prompted public mourning among fans and members of the gospel music community.
The dispute between Alabi and Kumuyi centres on allegations published after the singer’s death, with Alabi’s legal team demanding their withdrawal and warning of a lawsuit if the preacher fails to comply.
As of the information contained in the cease-and-desist letter, the demands remained directed at Kumuyi, with potential legal proceedings threatened if he failed to meet the deadline.
