Nigerian Music icon, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, turned 80 recently and his staff and band members, past and present, rolled out the drums to celebrate him. The gathering to celebrate Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi at 80 by his aides promptly became a reunion of sweet memories. It was a gathering through which the early Obey band members and the current ones shared their experiences totaling about 60 years with the music icon.
The Lagos home of Obey was thronged by old and new members of the Obey Music Group last Tuesday. They were joined by their families and dignitaries from all walks to reminisce on what they unanimously described as “a life-impacting relationship.”
The old members including Paul Tao, Collins Osopo, as well as long-serving members of the band, Sunny Fadugba, who is a drummer; Francis Aluko, the current captain; Mr Sammy Fayose, a bassist and a host of other old members paid homage their boss. Some of the children of the music legend, including Femi Obey-Fabiyi, Jaiyeola Obey-Fabiyi and Oreoluwa Obey-Fabiyi, also graced the event.
Speaking on behalf of the staff members and band, General Manager of Obey Music Group, Mr Tunji Odunmbaku, said all members of the Obey team were elated to honour their boss for the divine grace to become an octogenarian in sound mind. He also noted that their boss was unique for his leadership role over the years.
Odunmbaku noted that all of them in the Obey Music Group were delighted to celebrate their boss who he said had remained relevant in the industry even at 80 years of age. “The group is indeed happy to celebrate Obey’s exemplary life of humility, God-fearing disposition, love and care, patience in dealing with people generally, which have gone a long way in remoulding and positively impacting us over the years to become who and what we are today. It is therefore, not out of place if we in turn show Baba Obey a token of our love, solidarity, support and best wishes on his landmark birthday of 80.”
He said he met the music legend through a former member of the band, Mr Osopo, who was a drummer, adding that “Obey needed a guitarist and Collins recommended me and on a faithful day, Collins and Baba Obey’s driver came to pick me. When we got to the studio, I did what I could do best and Baba Obey was impressed with my display of talent. He said, nibo le ti ri eni to n ro’jo guitar bayi? Since then I became his guitarist and the experience has been awesome. I have also emulated his humility.”
Tao said: “After the assessment by Baba Obey, I told him that I wanted to smoke. He said ‘we don’t do that here’. Some of the band members cautioned me that Baba Obey was against such act. But we went behind to smoke Indian hemp and when we came back to the studio the rain of guitar fell. I performed beyond the ordinary. My bond with Baba Obey transformed my life greatly. I am proud to say to everyone that Baba Obey changed my life from a smoker to a pastor.
“I gave my life to Christ alongside my wife when Pastor Ayo Oristejafor made an altar call when Baba Obey invited him for one of his crusades when he delve into gospel ministry with Decross Fellowship. My life has never remained the same since that encounter. Obey means a lot to me; I cannot express how much he has helped my life. I pray God bless him more.”
Another long-serving member of the band is Sunny Fadugba, aged 81. He joined the band in 1981. He noted that he would not have become what he is today if he had not had an encounter with Obey. He said the greatest thing he learnt from Obey is his heart of forgiveness, humility, and wisdom to be a complete man, especially in the home. He also ensured that the entire band must be Bible scholars when he went into evangelical ministry, which has influenced my life greatly.
Baba Fayose, also a long-standing member of the band, described Obey as ‘a special music star and an exceptional leader’. He said he was with the Nigerian Ports Authority Band before he met the music legend. “Then, people call both highlife and Juju bands side by side and I saw Baba Obey during his performance at shows. So there was a misunderstanding in my former band; I resigned from the band and I eventually had my way into the Obey band. I was marveled at the response of Baba Obey when I told him I wanted to join his band. He responded with humility and he welcomed me with an open heart. I am a successful bassist. I have traveled far and wide with Baba Obey and my life has been impacted through him since I joined the band in 1976.”
The captain of the band, Aluko, said he has never regretted knowing Obey since he joined the band 1978. He also noted that the Commander of music is the most celebrated musician in the country. “I was in the band when he was celebrated at 40, 50, 60, 70 and I am glad that I am witnessing when he is being celebrated at 80. This means God has been good to Obey. He is number one in everything. I have learnt so much from him; I have been his fan since I was in the primary school, I would even be punished leaving the home to listen to his music at a record seller’s shop in the neigbourhood and I thank God I am the captain of his band today. I joined the band January 1978. I never knew I will become the captain or achieve in life in the band. I became the captain of the band since 2007 till date,” he added.
A veteran gospel musician, who is also a close associate of the music legend, Pastor Joseph Adelakun, popularly known as Baba Ayewa, in a short exhortation, described Obey as a special gift from God to humanity, just as he admonished people to ensure to live exemplary life, be close to God and ensure they sustain a good name.
In his remarks, Obey expressed appreciation to the old and new members, home and abroad, that had gathered to honour him. He said he was elated to have been celebrated by everyone that has passed through him one way or the other. He became emotional when he remembered and eulogised his deceased band members: Monday John, Oke Aminu, Mutiu Kekere, Gabriel Adedeji, Akanbi Oloye, Mathew Baba Legba, Israel Adio, Giwa Ojo Arigidi, Bode Akiwowo, Dele Akindeju; the pioneer captain of the band, Samson Ogunlade, Michael Awire Pepper, Ayo Barry White, Ilori Lawrence, Tunde Accord, Lawrence Olowoyo; Koleoso, Emmanuel Egin, Baba Akilapa and Tajumo Security, just as he prayed that their souls continue to rest in peace.
He also eulogised the only surviving (now the oldest member) of the International Brothers Band, Chief Fasai, popularly known as Vasco Da Gama, who recently clocked 87 years. Obey noted that Da Gama is his senior in age and was his senior in school at Idogo, Ogun State. He said he loved him dearly and was one of his fans as a rising star back then. “He was the only person my mother would allow to visit me. He is my dear brother and I respect him so much,” he added.
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