Ebenezer Obey’s pioneer band member, Vasco Dagama, dies at 90

Legendary musician, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, has announced the passing of one of the founding members of his band, Pa Sabitiu Ayinla Fasasi, also known as Vasco Dagama.

Obey informed the Nigerian Tribune that Pa Fasasi passed away on Tuesday morning at his residence at the age of 90. He has already been laid to rest in accordance with Muslim customs.

Expressing his grief, Obey described Vasco Dagama as an essential part of his music career.

He recalled that Vasco Dagama had been with him since the time of Ifelodun Mambo Orchestra, led by the late Jimoh Akinwande, after Obey formed his first band, ‘Ebenezer Obey And His Royal Mambo Orchestra,’ in 1957 at the age of 15, and continued up to the Inter-Reformers Band.

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“Vasco Dagama was like a senior brother to me. I have lost a great brother, and I believe he has gone to rest with his Creator. He was my die-hard fan and a promoter,” Obey said.

He further shared that Vasco Dagama became one of his band members after he met the late Baba Abengo Mayana, Omo Bambose of Lagos, and the late Akinbomi Salvage, and continued to the Inter-Reformers Band.

“We had a close bond. He hailed from Idogo and Iro towns in Ogun State. We even attended the same school, Idogo Methodist Primary School. He was one of my vocalists, and I usually called him Alagba Vasco Dagama because he was eight years older than me,” Obey reminisced.

Recalling his last conversation with Vasco Dagama, Obey mentioned that they had spoken a few days ago, and Vasco Dagama was doing well until he suddenly lost the ability to speak.

Obey expressed his deep sense of loss, saying, “Vasco Dagama was very special to me, and I had so much respect for him.

I called him, Ogunlade, and Salau Awe ‘Obey Plus Three,’ as they were founding members of my band. When Salau Awe left to join the army, others came in, and Vasco Dagama became one of my vocalists.”

Obey also extended his sympathies to Vasco Dagama’s family and prayed for the strength to bear this great loss.

He noted that the family would provide further details about arrangements to honor Vasco Dagama with a befitting burial.