- Obey is a musician of international repute says Obasanjo
King Sunny Ade on Monday entertained former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Former Governor of Ogun state, Segun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel and host of other dignitaries with good high-life music on the occasion of Evangelist Ebenezer Obey’s 75th birthday.
The birthday which attracted long list of notable Nigerians, family and friends to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Liberary (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State where the birthday reception was held.
President Olusegun Obasanjo who spoke on the occassion described the juju music maestro, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, as “a musician of international repute and a revered businessman of note.”
Obasanjo noted that Obey was also an evangelist of note, saying for over three decades in the nation’s entertainment industry, the “Chief Commander” had taken music to a global recognition.
Obasanjo said the music maestro has maintained taste, decency and maturity in his conduct and content as artiste.
The ex- President said, “His (Obey) life on one hand depicts the grace of God and on the other hand teaches determination, hard work and perseverance.
“One of the important lessons to be learnt from his life is that there is no height a man cannot attain once he is focused.
“His life taught us the lesson that irrespective of one’s background, one can gets to the pinnacle of one’s chosen career.”
Chief Kesington Adebutu, the Chairman of the event and the chief launcher of Obey-Fabiyi Musical Foundation and Training School, said“music is essential to mankind”.
He expressed delight that his (Adebutu) business grew by over 400 per cent in 1967 when Obey-Fabiyi waxed a record in his honour.
Adebutu, who pledged his support for the foundation, expressed optimism that upcoming musicians would benefit from the gesture and that more Obey Fabiyi’s will spring up through the foundation.
Responding, the celebrator, stated that God had specially endowed him with musical talent and sent him on a mission as a musician with message of love, peace, hope and progress.
Obey who said he formed his first band, named the Royal Mambo Orchestra in Idogo in 1957, attributed his success to God and his fans.
He was full of appreciation to the DECCA West Africa, the recording company, which according to the musician, gave him the platform that ushered him into stardom.
Earlier,the General Overseer (Worldwide) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG),Pastor Enoch Adeboye during a church service said he had continued to follow the music legend as far back as “his miliki band” days.
Adeboye also recalled that both of them gave their lives to God almost at the same time, adding that they have since maintained a cordial relationship.
Another music legend Mr Sunday Adeniyi popularly known as “King Sunny Ade” entertained guests on the occasion.
Other dignitaries included General Overseer, Redeemed Christian, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Governor of Ogun state Ibikunle Amosun and wife, royal fathers, as well as other Nigerian musicians among others.
