Tears, hymns, and quiet reflections filled the air in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, on Thursday, April 16, 2026, as family, friends, and admirers gathered to bid farewell to gospel music icon Evangelist Toun Soetan, whose voice and life of service touched generations.
The 73-year-old, who passed away on March 13, 2026, was laid to rest in a solemn ceremony that drew a cross-section of Nigeria’s Christian community to Ibadan.
Before her interment, a funeral service was held in her honour at Oritamefa Baptist Church, where tributes painted the portrait of a woman who gave everything to her faith and music.
Delivering the sermon, Rev. Dr. Oyekola Bamidele spoke with a mix of admiration and concern, describing the late singer as a rare soul in a fading generation of devoted believers.
He said, “The faithful are diminishing. The world is losing them every day. Who will replace them?”
Drawing from the story of Dorcas in the Bible, he likened Soetan to a vessel of quiet impact, one who served without seeking recognition.
He reminded the congregation that she never turned her ministry into a transaction, never demanded special treatment, and never lost sight of her purpose.
He noted, “She moved from place to place with humility and integrity, determined that the Gospel must be preached at all cost. She was not materialistic. She was not driven by position. She simply served.”
“If those who follow you have not risen above you, then you have not truly led. How many people have you raised? How many lives have you shaped?”, he added.
He concluded that Soetan’s passing leaves behind “a great vacuum in the music world”, one that may not easily be filled.
Beyond the pulpit, the most intimate tribute came from her first son, Ayo Soetan, describing a mother who was both nurturing and deeply present.
He stated, “She was caring. She made sure we never went through what she went through. My mum could stay on the phone with me from 1am to 4am. We were not just her children, we were her friends.”
He spoke of a woman who poured her values into her children, hard work, resilience, and compassion, ensuring that her legacy would live beyond the stage and the church.
Those who knew her said her music was only a fraction of who she was. Off the microphone, she was a quiet giver, someone who shared her time, her strength, and her faith without expecting anything in return.
As the final rites were performed, the reality of her absence settled in. For decades, her voice had been a constant—at crusades, in churches, and in homes. Now, that voice is silent, but its echo remains.
She is survived by her husband, Deacon Titus Alao Soetan, a chartered accountant and 52nd ICAN President between 2016 to 2017, her son Ayo, and her daughters Tolu and Busayo..
Among dignitaries and guests who attended the ceremony were Evangelist Bola Are, a gospel singer, Apostle Sunday Popoola, Pastor and Mrs Tunji Adigun, Pastor Ranti orioke, Soetan and Adigun’s families, Barr Dr Mrs Yinka Soyombo, Olori Esther Oyediran, wife of Onpetu ijero Kingdom, Landlords/landladies of Aerodrome Estate, Bishop Taiwo and Dolapo Adelajun, Rev Sola Kolade, his wife Rev Bridget, Rev Mrs Tokunbo Oke, Vice Chancellors of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University and Chrisland University, Prof Sola Ajayi, and Prof Dunni Arulogun, and Chancellor, Emmanuel Alwayande University, Oyo, Emeritus Prof Ayo Ogunkunle.
Others are ICAN dignitaries including ICAN President represented by the 2nd Deputy Vice President, Chief Oye Akinsulire, Senator F. K. Bajomo, Doyin Owolabi, Mrs Comfort Eyitayo, Rev Dr Paul Jenfa, Deacon Olu Onifade, Deacon Solomon Adeleke, Mrs Jumoke Rotimi, Deaconess Femi Ogedengbe, Prof Kayode Samuel, Rev Prof Mrs Janis Olawoye, and Pastor Olubi Johnson.
