Not only was city of Abeokuta the Ogun State Capital became agog on Monday 3rd of April, 2017 but also witnessed unprecedented influx of dignitaries from various walks of life as the ancient city was practically stood still for no other than the Egba born music legend and juju maestro, Chief Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi CFR, who clocked 75years of age amid fanfare.
The event which attracted galaxy of music stars to the rock city will no doubt linger on on the minds of those privileged to be in attendance for a very long time.
Apart from top politicians who graced the event with their heavy presence, powerful men of God were also in attendance in order to celebrate one of their own, Evangelist Obey.
The colourful ceremony which started at Chapel of Christ The Glorious King, at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta featured men of God like Bishop Francis Wale Oke who gave the sermon while Reverend Ayo Oritsejafor, former C.A.N president prayed for the celebrant.
The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church Of God World Wide, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye who came in during the church thanksgiving service amid loud ovation offered a special prayer for Evangelist Obey and his entire family.
The thanksgiving service which also featured gospel artists like Tope Alabi, Esther Igbekele, Pastor Kunle Ajayi, Evangelist Bola Are, Evangelist Funmi Aragbaye and others to the delight of those present not only added glamour to the event but also lifted the spirits of every well wishers at the service.
Encomiums were also showered on the celebrants by the dignitaries during the church service, few of those who spoke glowingly of chief Obey includes Former President Olusegun Obasanjo who describes him as philosophical musician and a faithful person.
On his own, the Governor Of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun who promised to build a museum in honour of the music legend said his music has helped to move Nigeria forward internationally. “We shall build a museum for Chief Ebenezer Obey where we shall put all your musical works and everything about you,” he said.
While paying tributes to the celebrant, Pastor Adeboye said Evangelist Obey is a special person whom he had to break some of his own rules in order to attend the epoch making event. “I don’t usually leave redemption camp on Mondays but I have to make today exceptional because of how special Evangelist Obey is to me.”
Chief Ebenezer Obey also seized the opportunity of the event to launch his foundation, Ebenezer Obey Music Foundation during the reception aspect of the event which took place immediately after the church service at OOPL Marquee Events Center.
Other politicians who attended the event includes former governors of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, Honourable Mudasiru Obasa, Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly and his Ogun State counterpart Honourable Suraju Isola Adekumbi and several others.
Some of the Royal fathers in attendance includes Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake Of Egbaland, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, The Osile of Oke Ona, The Ooni of Ife was also represented among several others.
It was indeed a galaxy of stars as musician of various genres were fully represented, some of the musicians in attendance includes, King Sunny Ade, who thrilled guests with his songs from the bandstand, King Wasiu Ayinde, Alabi Pasuma, Yinka Ayefele, Dele Abiodun, Queen Salawa Abeni, Ruggedman, YK Ajao, Tony Okoroji, Sunny Nneji, Adewale Ayuba, Musiliu Haruna Ishola and several others. While members of Association of Juju Musicians of Nigeria were also visibly present.
– By Wale Adewunmi