Not many people know that Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun is an ardent fan of Evangelist Ebenezer Obey. It took the recent 75th birthday of Obey in Abeokuta for many to know that.
He was the Chief Host of the Ebenezer Obey @ 75 birthday for so many reasons. He is the governor of Obey’s home state. Then, he has an unhidden love for Obey. Despite been a Monday and a busy working day, he created time to be at the event to show support to one of the illustrious son of the soil who had done the state proud he explained. Despite the fact that he had an Exco Meeting, he played an active role. And he told everyone who cared to listen that, “I am terrific fan of yours.” He told the audience at the church service that he has a rich collection of all Obey’s songs which he listens to everyday. Before the birthday, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, had written to congratulate Ebenezer Obey. His tribute reads: “Your life, in the 75 years of your existence, is a study in many folds. On one hand, it depicts the grace of God, and on the other hand, it teaches determination, hard work, and perseverance. These key features, no doubt, contributed to the successes you have attained in the entertainment industry in Nigeria”.
“As a foremost entertainer, your music has succeeded in carving a niche for you, not only in Nigeria but in other countries of the world. You are not just a musician, but an ambassador, whose songs have earned you a reputation globally. Indeed, your genre of music is always appealing to the people, irrespective of class, religion, or other considerations. Without mincing words, a roll call of Juju icons in Nigeria would be incomplete without paying a glowing tribute to your exploit as the “Chief Commander”. The Ogun governor also contributed immensely towards the success of the event. He made sure Ogun State Government donated while he also donated from his personal purse to the foundation. The Governor spoke at the inter denominational church service held at the Chapel of Christ The Glorious king, inside the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Abeokuta. Amosun noted that Obeys music taught totality of life and it had moved beyond Nigeria to the entire global community. Gov. Amosun recalled how when he travelled to the US, he saw the works of the Ogun State born musician displayed in a shop in New York and he was proud of Obey. Amosun said he never failed to listen to Obeys music every morning before setting out for the office because there was always a prayer or a philosophy which could serve as a driving force for the day. “All I see in him at 75 is the awesomeness of God in his life. There is always some thing to learn from your music. I play Ebenezer Obeys music every morning”. Amosun said as he sang at least 7 of Obey’s popular tunes. Not many knew that he admires Chief Ebenezer Obey and his many albums until he began to sing many of his popular lyrics during his tribute at the church service. He started with: “Ka to bere ohun ohunkohun se o, ani lati fi ti oluwa si waju“. He said that the track reminds him every morning a need to observe his Salat. He sang another track which goes thus“ Mo ja de lo loni eledumare, ji jade mi ki ma pade agbako”. He quickly added “Mo ti bo luwa seleri, Mo ti bo bo lowa mi pinu, pa aiye ti mo wa mi ni se aseti, mo ti bo luwa mi pinu”. He didn’t let the guests go until he sang “Abani je dehin lehin mi, dehin lehin mi, dehin lehin mi”. The track sent many guests into loud laughter. He said your music teaches the totality of life. It teaches the essence of life and living. Your music has moved beyond Nigeria and to the global community. Though, he left during the church service to attend to official assignment, he later came back at the reception to complete ` his role as the host. In his speech, he said “ Your music has moved beyond Nigeria to the global communities. We will establish a museum where all your works would be kept for generations yet unborn to know about you and other legends from Ogun,” he revealed.
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