Contrary to false rumors, veteran Nigerian musician Ebenezer Obey is alive, strong, and healthy.
The 83-year-old music legend took to his social media to debunk the false claims. This was in a video he shared on his Instagram on Tuesday.
The video clip featured the legendary singer performing a defiant song in Yoruba, English, and Pidgin, addressing the widespread rumour.
“My name is Professor Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi. Satan, you don lose o, Satan, you don lose o, you don pafuka. Na lie lie you dey talk, you don pafuka,” he sang.
In a clear rebuttal, the ‘Edumare Soro Mi Dayo’ crooner stated, “It is fake news that started a few hours ago claiming that I, Evangelist Obey, have passed on to glory. It is a lie. I am alive, and that is not the word Jesus has written.”
However, Obey’s assistant, Tope Olukole, swiftly addressed the situation on Monday evening.
“Let’s set the record straight: Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi is alive and thriving! He recently celebrated a joyous occasion — the 50th birthday of his second child’s spouse.
Rumors of his passing are baseless and entirely unfounded. We’re glad to see him active and well,” Olukole clarified.
The Jùjú music star expressed gratitude for the overwhelming concern shown by well-wishers.
“I thank every concerned person. I have received so many calls since last night, which made me sleep so late. I appreciate everyone who checked on me and prayed for me. I pray God will continue to protect us all,” he added.
Condemning the misinformation, Obey described the episode as “a reckless mistake.”
“I see this as a reckless mistake of the originator of the false news. I wonder what happened to the tenet of cross-checking to authenticate news items before publishing. I doubt if the breaker of the news ever passed through a journalism school! It’s a big shame and embarrassment to such a person,” he said.
In reality, the music legend had spent Easter Monday actively celebrating the 60th birthday of his daughter-in-law, Pastor Mrs. Aduke Rotimi Obey, with members of the Ebenezer Obey Dynasty.
The 83-year-old musician also made a public appearance just days earlier at the wedding ceremony of actress Iyabo Ojo’s daughter in Lagos, where he blessed the couple during the traditional engagement, appearing in the role of the bride’s grandfather.
This is not the first time Obey has been targeted by death hoaxes.
In July 2020, he was similarly forced to debunk reports of his demise during an Instagram Live session with journalist Dele Momodu.
“It’s not yet time for me to die. I’ve not finished what God sent me to do. I must fulfil my purpose and complete my assignment,” he had said then.
READ ALSO: President Buhari Commemorates Ebenezer Obey At 81
Sadly, Obey is not alone in this recurring issue within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Other celebrities such as Olu Jacobs, Ngozi Ezeonu, Zack Orji, Hanks Anuku, Tony Umez, and Patience Ozokwor have also been subjects of similar misleading reports in the past, later coming forward to clarify their well-being.
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