By Ladi Ayodeji
A date with Juju superstar, Evangelist (Professor) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi (Chief Commander Obey) is bound to be very exciting. Whether on bandstand, in an interview session or in private discussion, the burly, ebony black velvet-voiced musician/composer is always a delight to keep company with.
Obey, who would be 80 on April 3, 2022, by God’s special grace, had agreed to an interview with BEATS after weeks of uncertainties. It’s never easy to get a date with the Commander because, even at his age, he still runs a tight schedule, spread across recording performances, family affairs, business, private engagements, and of course, sleep and rest.
All credit to Deacon Tunji Odunmbaku, General Manger, Ebenezer Music Company Ltd, for making this meeting possible. The long-serving GM, an old friend of BEATS Publisher, had painstakingly arranged the meeting, ensuring it held successfully. Initially, it was suggested by the BEATS team that we do the interview online, but the Deacon rejected that out of hand, insisting it had to be a physical meeting, since the publisher, an old friend of Baba Obey hadn’t seen the superstar for years. Thank God, this option was eventually agreed upon and Thursday, December 23, 2021 was fixed for the interview at 4pm in Ikeja, in his Lagos home.
Come D-Day, I was there at 3:30pm. The GM received me and immediately ushered me into the sprawling living room, where Baba was resting on a couch, spread on a raised platform in the middle of the room. He was asleep when I came in with Deacon Odunmbaku. I then suggested Obey be allowed to enjoy his sleep some more minutes, but the GM waived me No!
Odunmbaku called out, in an attempt to wake up his boss of many decades. “Is Ladi here?” Obey asked, without opening his eyes “Yes , sir”, I answered, respectfully. I suggested he should rest a while “ No, no, no!”, Baba Obey reacted, adding, “I am tired. I held a meeting which dragged longer than expected”. By this time, he had sat up. He wore a loose black kaftan, a sort of casual bedtime wear.
“How’s your family? My dear Ladi”?, He asked.
“We’re fine, Sir,” I replied. Obey uses “My dear”, as a prefix to the names all those he’s familiar with. It’s a kind of demonstration of love. He slowly moved toward his regular chair on his large settee. I joined him, knowing that the interview was about to start.
Meanwhile, to Obey’s right where he previously laid, were a set of studio recording gadgets. I had wondered whether a musical recording session had been going on before I came in. As we were preparing to start the interview, I surveyed the vast sitting room. Little has changed since I visited last, except that his gallery of awards is now placed before the glass door at the entrance. There’s a big picture of GLO Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga and Baba Obey on the side of the wall. Another picture of Adenuga with a white guy who looked like French President, Emmanuel Macron was placed close to the first one.
Obey was now ready. “How is Pastor Chris (Okotie)? I hope you’re still with him?” “Yes, of course”, I answered. He nodded. Deacon Odunmabaku helped me to set up my phone, which we needed to record the one-hour 20 minute interview to be published soon in commemoration of Obey’s 80th birthday.
It was a delight listening to the superstar as he told the story of his illustrious career. Watch out for the full interview.
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