From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Ogun Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, disclosed yesterday that the state government will build a museum in honour of Juju and gospel maestro, Chief Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi.
He stated this at the interdenominational church service held at the Chapel of Christ The Glorious King, inside the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, to mark the 75th birthday of Obey.
Amosun noted that Obey-Fabiyi’s music teaches totality of life and has moved beyond Nigeria to the entire global community.
“I never failed to listen to his music every morning before setting out for the office because there was always a prayer or a philosophy which could serve as driving force for the day.
“There is always something to learn from your music. I play Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi’s music every morning.
“Your music teaches the totality of life, it teaches essence of life and living. Your music has moved beyond Nigeria to the global community.
“We will establish a museum where all your works will be kept for generations yet unborn, to know about you and other legends from the state.”
Worldwide Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said he has followed the musical career of the music icon right from his “Miliki” days and explained that himself and Chief Obey-Fabiyi became born again Christians at about same period.
Pastor Adeboye said he was happy that Obey has been winning souls for God through his gospel music.
On his part, Obasanjo described Obey-Fabiyi as “a musician of international repute, a revered evangelist and businessman of note.”
He also noted that the musician, in his over three decades on the Nigerian performing stage had taken Nigerian music to the global podium
The former president said the music legend has maintained decorum and decency in his conduct and content, as an artiste and musician.
In Lagos, former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu wished Obey many more years on earth and urged him to “let the music play on. As a musician with a deep Christian spiritual bend, Obey’s music is unique in the way and manner he turns Yoruba axioms, bearing rich religious messages into dance-hall compositions.
“His popular tracks, including ‘What God has joined together’, ‘Aimasiko’, ‘Eyin pegan pegan’, ‘Anjade l’oni Eledumare’, ‘Jesu oloore’, ‘Africa is my home’, ‘Ambe o’, ‘I am a winner’, etc, remain masterpieces any day.”
“When, in the early 1990s, he retired into Nigerian gospel music ministry, I knew it could only be short-lived, because when you have a passion for a profession, like Chief Obey’s zeal for music, whether secular or gospel, there is no room for retirement.
”I saw him in action in December last year at an event held at the Lagos State House, Alausa, Ikeja, tagged ‘Evening with Governor Ambode’ to end 2016 and usher in 2017; he was the cynosure of all eyes.
” He remained his true self, the true entertainer that we have always known, churning out one rich number after another.
“At 75, I wish and pray that God grants Obey more years and the strength and energy to continue with his music. So to Chief Commander, I say let the music play on, ” Tinubu said.