Encomiums poured in from crosswise over Nigeria as Juju music maestro, Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, timed 75 on Monday.
Among the dignitaries who paid gleaming tributes to the artist on Monday were previous President Olusegun Obasanjo and previous legislative head of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Sunday paid tribute to the music legend.
Mr. Obasanjo said the music of the man referred to by music significant others as ‘Boss Commander Ebenezer Obey’ dependably inebriates him (Obasanjo) and has moved him to do well in his life.
The previous president unveiled this while talking at the birthday service of the performer in Abeokuta.
“I am constantly inebriated by Ebenezer Obey’s music. When I need to do genuine business, I play his music, I am constantly propelled and supported. His music shows ethics”, he expressed.
Talking about the distinction the performer has accomplished, Mr. Obasanjo brought up that anybody can achieve the top, regardless of how poor the back ground is, if the individual is engaged and decided.
He affectionately reviewed that Obey sang about the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), a strategy he (Obasanjo) started in the 70s as a military Head of States to make Nigeria self – dependent in nourishment creation and utilization.
Mr. Tinubu, in his own celebratory message, portrayed Obey as an adroit performer whose melodies will dependably stay evergreen.
In an announcement on Monday by his Media Office, the All Progressives Congress, APC, pioneer stated: “I salute Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey on his 75th birthday. It’s an incredible achievement to so be honored by God as he has been.
“Ebenezer Obey, whose expert profession started in the mid-1950s when he moved to Lagos, has contributed a ton to the improvement of music in Nigeria, nay Africa.
“As an artist with a profound Christian otherworldly twist, Obey’s music is one of a kind in the way and way he turns Yoruba aphorisms, bearing rich religious messages into move corridor organizations.
“His mainstream tracks like ‘What God Has Joined Together,’ “Aimasiko,” ‘Eyin Pegan’, Anjade Loni Eledumare’, ‘Jesu Olore’, ‘Africa is My Home’, ‘Ambe o,”I am a Winner,’ and so on remain gems quickly.
“At the point when in mid 1990s, he resigned into Nigerian gospel music service, I knew it must be brief, since when you have an energy for a calling like Chief Obey’s enthusiasm for music, regardless of whether common or gospel, there is no space for retirement.
“I saw him in real life in December a year ago at an occasion held at the Lagos State House, Alausa, Ikeja, labeled ‘Night with Governor Ambode’to end 2016 and introduce 2017, he was the cynosure of everyone’s eyes. He remained his actual self, the genuine performer that we have constantly known, producing one rich number after another.
“At 75, I wish and implore that God stipends Obey more years and the quality and vitality to proceed with his music. So to Chief Commander, I say let the music play on,” Mr. Tinubu expressed.
in his own particular comments, the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, said his organization would build a historical center out of appreciation for the performer, where every one of his works would be kept for references.
He depicted Obey as an extraordinary minister and communicated the expectation that Ogun would accord him his legitimate place in the records of the state.
“All I find in him at 75 is the greatness of God in your life. Your music shows totality of the substance of life and living. You have utilized music to do a ton even globally”, Mr. Amosun said.
“You are an incredible envoy of Nigeria and have molded our lives emphatically. I’m a fanatic of your music and hear it out each morning since some of them remind me to supplicate each morning”, he included.
“We are anticipating a period where we will fabricate a historical center for your music, where individuals will go to study you and your work. You have put Ogun State on world guide since when individuals enquire about your underlying foundations, they will be let you know are from Ogun State.”
The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Enoch Adeboye, uncovered that he chose to curve his principles and relinquished his calendars for the day to go to Obey’s occasion in light of his adoration and appreciation for him.
The pastor included that he and the performer arrived the world at a similar period and strolled in various headings before both likewise discovered their approach to Christ.
“I have known Obey quite a while since the times of Miliki. I delighted in everything about his music and we went to the world at a similar period. What’s more, at the time I was giving my life to Christ, he too was moving a similar side.
“I need to twist the tenets to leave the Camp to go to this birthday function due to my affection and reverence for Obey’, Mr. Adeboye said.
In his sermon at the evet, Francis Oke, moored his message on Psalm 71vs 1-3 and asked man to continue looking for the substance of God for his support, assurance and benevolence when seniority calls.
Because of all the encomiums, Obey expressed bliss and appreciation to God for saving his life, and furthermore valued his visitors over the globe.
Other dignitaries at the congregation benefit incorporate previous governors of Ogun State, Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel; Folake Marcus-Bello, previous Nigeria Ambassador; and Sarafa Ishola, previous priest.
Conspicuous performers at the service incorporate Sunny Ade, Salawe Abeni, Tony Okoroji, Wasiu Ayinde, Bola Are, Tope Alabi and Yinka Ayefele.