Evangelist Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi, MFR’ nicknamed the “‘Chief Commander”, is an iconic jùjú musician who has been playing big in the music industry for decades. He has remained relevant for over 60 years that he began his career. His songs of over 50 years are equally as relevant and fresh as if they were released yesterday. He has become a Living legend.
Of course Baba Ebenezer is also a great man of God. He is the Founding Father of the popular pentecostal church in the heart of Ikeja. The church has been waxing strong for over 28 years and the structure has remained buoyant.
Last week, the Chief Commander had an INSTAGRAM Live chat with City People Publisher, SEYE KEHINDE where he discussed the lessons that should be learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic and what God is telling the people. He also revealed how he got the nickname, Commander, Many years ago Enjoy the excerpts…
What have you been doing since the lockdown?
Well, this pandemic came suddenly and it is something we never expected, Already the whole world is being shaken by this pandemic, no one is able to do much, we all sit at home and abiding with all the instructions that the government has given us. It has not given anybody any chance to do anything, but we thank God that it happens, but it was not expected. But God has given me some instructions that I want to share..
Please do sir
If we look back COVID-19 broke out in December 2019. Its been 5 months and we are stepping into May, and yet, there is no answer. God wants us to fear him more than fearing the coronavirus.
Now, generally in the whole world, people are afraid of the coronavirus than God. The fear of God is what we need. God is using this to draw the attention of the whole world, that even the superpower who thought they know it all are now humbled. He has taught us the lesson.
And I know that the answer will come in a short while. But first, we must acknowledge his supremacy and his mightiness beyond the pandemic. because he is the world who created us and can do everything.
If the answer comes, we must not take the Glory, We must give the glory to God.
Psalm 35:9 says, surely, the salvation is near them that fear him, his glory will dwell in our land. that means if we pay attention to God’s glory, then he will take care of everything for us. I believe that will happen in the name of Jesus.
How has it affected your ministry?
The body of Christ is been affected generally. Where we have fellowship every Sunday is no longer possible at the moment because not more than 20 people are allowed to stay in the church. so we are adhering to that. But we thank God that Technology is allowing us to have online ministration, but it has affected everybody generally.
But I think it’s for good because this thing happened in 1918, that’s about a hundred years ago, and they close schools and churches just has it is happening now. So we are reaching out to our people to keep social distance and we believe with God’s intervention, it will become history too. We are following al instructions by the government and we believe the answer will come.
Tell us about how you have been running the work of God?
I came into the ministry because of the call of God upon my life, as an evangelist. The work is to go all about preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. I was doing that since I came into the ministry and we now we have the church arm.
My calling was confirmed by great men of God, especially late Bishop Benson Idahosa. He used Moses as a yardstick. he said as they are talking of Moses, that’s how they will be talking of you
What year was that sir?
That was 1990. After then he sent me to the US to go and have an observation course to know how a church is being run. I did that for 3 months and came back and started the work of God.
The church has a structure. It has me as a General Overseer, we have the church council, the wall of elders, and so on. Later on my son Pastor Folarin Obey became the Deputy G.O, I had some ailment and saw that I had to allow pastors to do some other things. That is what is not well known by the people.
After 17 that I have been in the ministry, God gave me the opportunity to have what I call special appearance. I was doing a special appearance combined with the work of God. So that’s what took me to music in Part. And I thank God that everything is working out well.
How has lockdown affected the music business?
It has affected the entertainment industry more than every area. Even those who have booked for the event had to cancel so as to adhere strictly to the rule of the state. And I am seeing that for those who are called the bandsmen. That they need to open their eyes to add something to their music. For instrumentalists and band boys.
The global economy is so bad and agric is the answer. Agric won’t stop you for what you are doing, The future really is Agriculture. If we can not grow what we eat then who are we.
Even look at the masks that our tailors are sewing. If our tailors cannot sew it, it means we would have to import them. We need to open up our industry and patronize what we produce.
Tell us a bit about the secret of your success, despite 60 years you are still agile.
Number one, I always say this, the sufficiency of God’s grace is enough to see us through in any situation, even where we have a crisis, that Grace of God will give us victory so I attribute everything about me to God. I don’t have any other thing or power.
I depend only on God. he has been my source and there is nowhere I am going. I rather stay with God because I have enjoyed so much Grace in him. He has given me the gift to be a good composer and he has given me a platform. Its been over 60 years that I have been playing as a professional musician.
How did you discover that aspect of composing in you?
I believe it the gift of God from when I was young. Adeolu Akinsanya happens to be a good composer when we were young. He was my mentor when I write songs, I will take it to him to score, and will tell me its good. That was how we grow back then.
How come you still rehearse despite your consistence and expertise in stage performance and lyrics brilliance?
Let me try to share this, despite the fact that in the past, I used to play every day, I still rehearse, because that when you improve and correct some certain things. I keep any artist on his toes.
If you don’t rehearse, your success will not be loud as God has deemed it to be. Rehearsals make you learn more, work more, and improve more on what you have. It’s like Pastors too.
Before you deliver your message you have to read your bible and get the grasp o what you intend to pass across.
Year In Year Out, You have maintained your evergreen deliveries.. how does it come to you consistently.
If you know the way of success, you have to keep to it. Don’t just be part of it. Once I started and noticed the reaction of people and the songs that I composed lasts longer, like the songs that I have composed for over 50 years, they are still very relevant. They are evergreen.
It is because what I say in those music makes sense. It is either I am praying or teaching people moral lessons. I appeal to individuals, people, and the government on how to live. This is why those songs are still relevant.
How do you process your songs once the song comes? so you won’t forget.
What God has blessed me with as I grow up is retentive memory. I am now 78, but I don’t forget when songs come to me. I thank God for everything. The composition is easier for me. It has become part of me.
At 78 and all you have accomplished, you have remained humble, despite your success of over 60 years?
Our parents taught us to be humble. And over the years, especially my mother. We have passed it down. Humility is something that started at home. And when I grew up I noticed that humility is good. I say Yes sir, to people that are not up to my age. I am not flattering them, I get used to it and it makes me feel good. Pride leads to distraction according to the Bible. Humility opens doors when one can practice it.
How did you come up with the stage name Commander? Can you remember that year sir.
In Music, in those days, we used to have what we called the fans club. I started taking my band to international tour in the year 1969. That’s over 50 years ago. And God opens the door for me, I was going frequently. The usual practice then, was that the fans club will be waiting at the airport.
They usually have their presentation most times when they receive us. They have arranged a reception and they make their presentation.
It was at one of the presentations that they decided to make me the Chief Commander of Juju Music.
How did you feel that day sir?
Oh.. I felt so great. Because you know the fans can go all out. They have their businesses but they have what they are doing. so one will be happy to appreciate such people. They met me in Nigeria and they ushered us to the reception.
When you want to relax, do you listen to your music, or other people’s music?
I listen to my music and other people’s music. That’s how I relax. And of course, I read much scripture
What can you say about your friend, Dr. Mike Adenuga as he celebrates his birthday?
Dr. Mike Adenuga. That is a big name. The wonderful man, he’s a great man. lover of the people who care for people. I don’t know how to really describe him. He’s is a wonderful man of God who is so kind. Most of the things he does is surprising. he has touched life and humanity.
I pray that the Lord will continue to give him good health and may he continue to enjoy the fruit of his labor. I also pray for City People and everybody listening. I pray for divine healing across.
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