At the auspicious occasion to celebrate the 82nd birthday of music legend Chief Ebenezer Obey, Decross gospel mission was filled to the brim with top personalities across the nation on Thursday.
Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey as he is known is a renowned gospel artist who is known as the composer for several evergreen songs.
In his speech at his birthday, Obey appreciates his guests for this 82nd birthday. He specially thanked the Ogun State executive governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the executive governor of Osun State, HE Governor Ademola Adeleke, Rev. Dr. Julius Odofin, High Chief Abiola Ogundokun, Obanla of Iwo Kingdom, Mrs. Bola Alice Obasanjo, and many more prominent personalities in Nigeria.
HE Ademola Adeleke, the executive Governor of Osun State, extol the Chief Commander, refer to him as a father. Thus, the governor, sang and dance to series of Ebenezer Obey’s.
Governor Adeleke, referring to Obey as a father figure, demonstrated the profound respect and admiration that Obey commands across generations and political divides. The governors, along with other attendees, celebrated Obey’s lifelong commitment to spreading joy and uplifting messages through his music.
Adeleke thrilled the audience by singing several of Obey’s songs and joyfully dancing with Sir Shina Peter and others.
Rev. Dr. Julius Odofin described the celebrant, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey as an embodiment of loyalty and commitment to God. “He is consistent to ensure the happiness of others”, he said.
Hon. Adejare highlight personal experience of how Ebenezer Obey influenced him positively. “When contesting for the first time in 2023”, Hon. Adejare said “though I didn’t tell my father (Ebenezer Obey), when he heard, he returned back home and never left the house till I arrive back at dawn.”
Notwithstanding the muddle baba was praying for Hon. Adejare till he revert back to baba that he won the primary.
“Another one was when I lost my mother”. Baba Obey attended, he declare to people he came with me as his son, that made me extremely proud”. Hon. Underscored that baba Obey has done so many things that he can’t remember nor number all. Hon. Adejare refer to him as an angel of our time.
Finally, Adejare encouraged all to hold on to God, saying God has a perfect time for all. He then pray for the celebrant, our nation Nigeria and all the guests.
Hon. Yinka Ogundimu former Lagos law-maker referred to Ebenezer Obey as an Icon, father, mentor, and a living legend. Hon. Ogundimu stated that himself and many other mirror their lives after Ebenezer Obey, hence the reason he refer to him as a mentor. Celebrating the 82nd birthday comes with more than celebration but also with honor.
He cited occasions when Ebenezer Obey will offer prayers, admonitions, and recommendations. “He gathered us together from childhood”, he said.
Ogundimu who spoke on the state of the nation, commend President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He encouraged Nigerians to pray for the country and also exercise patience with the current administration for renewed hope. It takes time to reconstruct, he concluded.
The former Orile Agege LCDA Boss, Hon. Taofeek Abiodun Adaranijo also shared his thoughts on how Baba Obey groomed them. He applauded the Chief Commander and recommend all upcoming artists to follow Baba Obey’s track.
Hon Adaranijo mentioned that Ebenezer Obey’s songs are evergreen, that one his songs is actually meant for a day like this. The song titled “Happy Birthday to you, on this occasion of yours”, can be sang anytime for birthdays.
Adaranijo prayed that Baba obey celebrate another decade, wishing him improved health in his old age.
This 82nd birthday celebration was more than just a testament to Obey’s age; it was a reflection of his vast contributions to music, his unwavering faith, and his positive influence on individuals and communities. The presence of music industry titans like High Chief Abiola Ogundokun, Sir Shina Peter, Esther Ajayi, and Prince Abel Oluwafemi (Mega 99), among others, further solidified the event as a confluence of respect, admiration, and celebration for a true legend.
