Tributes poured in from across Nigeria as Juju music maestro, Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, clocked 75 on Monday.
Among the dignitaries who eulogized the musician on Monday were former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, Premium Times reports.
President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier on Sunday paid a glowing tribute the music legend.
Mr. Obasanjo said the music of the man known by music lovers as ‘Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey’ always intoxicates him (Obasanjo) and has propelled him to do well in his life.
The former president disclosed this while speaking at the birthday ceremony of the musician in Abeokuta on Monday.
“I am always intoxicated by Ebenezer Obey’s music. When I want to do serious business, I play his music, I am always inspired and encouraged. His music teaches morals”, he stated.
Speaking about the fame the musician has achieved, Mr. Obasanjo pointed out that anyone can reach the top, no matter how poor the background is if the person is focused and determined.
He fondly recalled that Obey sang about the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), a policy he (Obasanjo) initiated in the 70s as a military Head of States to make Nigeria self – reliant in food production and consumption.
Mr. Tinubu, in his own congratulatory message, described Obey as an astute entertainer whose songs will always remain evergreen.
Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, described Obey as a great ambassador and expressed the hope that Ogun would accord him his rightful place in the annals of the state.
He also said his administration would construct a museum in honour of the musician, where all his works would be kept for references.
The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Enoch Adeboye, revealed that he elected to bend his rules and abandoned his schedules for the day to attend Obey’s event because of his love and admiration for him.
The cleric added that he and the musician arrived the world at the same period and walked in different directions before both also found their way to Christ.
In response, Obey expressed joy and gratitude to God for sparing his life, and also appreciated his guests across the globe.
Other dignitaries at the church service include former governors of Ogun State, Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel; Folake Marcus-Bello, former Nigeria Ambassador; and Sarafa Ishola, former minister.
Prominent musicians at the ceremony include Sunny Ade, Salawe Abeni, Tony Okoroji, Wasiu Ayinde, Bola Are, Tope Alabi and Yinka Ayefele.
See Pictures of the birthday celebration below,
