By Eric Elezuo
The Decross Mission Church in Lagos during the week wore the best of looks in gratitude, blessings, thanksgiving and more, as juju and gospel music maestro, Evangelist (Prof) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, celebrated his 82nd years.
In attendance were the who’s who of Nigeria’s top society including the governor of Ogun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who led the retinue of outpouring of encomiums, eulogies and hype upon the octogenarian.
Extolling the virtues of the much celebrated singer, whose hit tracks have reverberated over the years, remaining evergreen, Gove Adeleke described him as a meaningful singer, whose songs go beyond the ordinary.
“We thank God for the life of Baba Ebenezer Obey because it is not easy after all these years to reach the age of 82 years. That is a big one and that is why we should continue to thank God. All the songs he has been singing all these years show that he is a philosophical singer. There is no song that he sings that does not have a meaning. You have been taking care of us since we were young and we are always happy whenever we listen to your songs. That is why I am here to surprise you and celebrate with you. I also use you as a point of contact that Nigeria will go from strength to strength,” the governor eulogised.
In his response, the elated celebrant, who couldn’t hold his joy, expressed his gratitude to God, and to a crowd of friends, colleagues and mentees, who turned out to celebrate with him. While citing the Bible in the book of Psalm 92 of the holy scriptures, Evangelist Obey said, “I am using this scripture to express myself. All my life, God has been so good to me. I was born into the church and I used to crawl to where the choir played their instrument. As I crawl to the choir, my mum would carry me and I would always crawl back there. And the pastor took me from my mother and said definitely, I was going to be a renowned musician. That prophecy came to pass in my life. I became a professional musician at the age of 15, precisely in 1957, that was when I had my first album.
“I thank God, who has seen me through several surgeries. In 1980, I had surgery in London and prostrate enlargement was the last surgery I had. I am preparing to release a record to educate parents and the people on prostate enlargement.”
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Osile of Oke Ona Egbaland, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, Dele Momodu, Bola Obasanjo, Esther Ajayi, and a host of others.
THE MAN, EBENEZER OBEY
Born Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi MFR on April 3, 1942, the music maestro is from Idogo, Ogun State, and of Egba-Yoruba ethnic background. He is also of the Owu subgroup of the Egba, and known professionally as Ebenezer Obey.
According reports obtained from Wikipedia, “Ebenezer Obey began his professional career in the mid-1950s after moving to Lagos. After tutelage under Fatai Rolling-Dollar’s band, he formed a band called The International Brothers in 1964, playing highlife–jùjú fusion. The band later metamorphosed into Inter-Reformers in the early-1970s, with a long list of Juju album hits on the West African Decca musical label.
“Obey began experimenting with Yoruba percussion style and expanding on the band by adding more drum kits, guitars and talking drums. Obey’s musical strengths lie in weaving intricate Yoruba axioms into dance-floor compositions. As is characteristic of Nigerian Yoruba social-circle music, the Inter-Reformers band excel in praise-singing for rich Nigerian socialites and business tycoons. Obey, however, is also renowned for Christian spiritual themes in his music and has since the early-1990s retired into Nigerian gospel music ministry. It will be worthy of note to also say that Chief Commander just as he is fondly called by his fans, has played alongside popular gospel music veteran, Pastor Kunle Ajayi during his 30 years on stage concert in Lagos.
“Obey married Juliana Olaide Olufade in 1963. His wife, known as Lady Evangelist Juliana Obey-Fabiyi, died at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital on 23 August 2011, aged 67. They have several children and grand children.”
The life of Ebenezer Obey is quick a study and worth celebrating. His brand of music of music has transcended ages and time, and even at his age, he is still a much sought after performer at high profile events.
We celebrate you sir, and wish many more years in good health.
