Gospel singer Tope Alabi has offered heartfelt prayers for the wife and children of RCCG pastor and gospel minister Bolaji Olarewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji or Big B, at a night of tributes held in his honour.

The solemn event, which began at 4 pm on Monday, took place at Trinity House in Lagos and drew friends, family members and fellow gospel artistes who gathered to honour the legacy of the late worship leader.

Among those present were former Lagos State First Lady Abimbola Fashola, gospel singers Esther Igbekele, Bukola Bekes and reverend Esther Ajayi, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and Kehinde Daniel.

During the service, a video of Tope Alabi was played in which she poured out her emotions and paid tribute to Big Bolaji.

“Pastor Bolaji Olarenwaju, Big B was a very wonderful man. A kind man, a sweet soul at that. We love him so much,” she said.

“I remember those days when we started praising the almighty. Big B will come all the way from Aradagun, book an hotel by himself, help my husband, help everyone. From morning till night Big B will not go until everything is sorted.

“This is the man we are saying farewell to. This is to the family of pastor Bolaji Olarenwaju, the wife, the children, his siblings, everyone. I pray that the Lord will comfort you on all sides in the name of Jesus. Take heart please.”

The atmosphere was heavy with grief as some guests, including Abimbola Fashola, were seen weeping.

Big Bolaji’s wife, Tolulope, was captured on her knees in tears while Pastor Ighodalo consoled her.

Big Bolaji died on Easter Saturday, April 19, at the age of 50 following a brief illness.

Renowned for his vibrant worship sessions and ability to fuse Yoruba rhythms with contemporary gospel music, Big Bolaji was also an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and served on the board of the Living Spring Music Festival, one of Nigeria’s longest-running gospel events.