Evangelist (Prof.) Ebenezer Oluwaremilekun Olasupo Aremu Obey-Fabiyi (MFR), Nigeria’s veteran musician cum gospel crusader last Wednesday opened a gallery museum-space at the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Evangelist Ebenezer Obey (MFR) at the event, excitedly pointing at some relics of his musical performances in the museum to the curator, Oludamola Adebowale (left).
The museum booth was among the many projects commissioned as the premier tertiary institution in the state celebrated her 24th Convocation Ceremonies and 42nd Foundation Anniversary. Other projects include: the Theatre Arts Complex, built by TETFUND, College Conference Hall, Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo (OBJ) Vocational Education Building, Water Treatment Plant, PED Building-an edifice meant for the School of Early Childhood Care Education/ Primary Education Complex and the College Gallery, a brainchild of the Provost, Dr. Adebayo Ayodele Ajayi.
Deputy Provost, Dr. Rafiu Soyele, remarked that the eminent musician was the first to respond to the institution’s call for personal effects to establish an archive of the exploits of prominent citizens of the state.
As he formerly handed over the priceless valuables to FCE, Abeokuta, Obey declared, “I dedicate these items to the memory of my parents. Most especially to my mother, Mrs. Abigail Oyindamola Abeke Fabiyi (Nee Toriola) from Owu quarters in Abeokuta, and to my father, Chief Nathaniel Olasewo Fabiyi from Kesi, Abeokuta and to the glory of the Almighty God who has been my source of strength all these years!” While commending the school for taking the initiative to establish the museum, Evangelist Obey harped on the need to inculcate a sense of history in younger generations. Items showcased in the museum booth are Obey’s personal effects, record labels, stage costumes, relics of musical performances and pictures chronicling his trajectory from childhood.
Despite going through the crucible of social change, Obey’s lyrics remain evergreen and relevant decades after their release. The legend explained this uncommon phenomenon in the industry thus, “I’m almost 78 years old now.
Songs I wrote at 40 still thrill people today. When I compose songs I ask myself: What will the people gain from this, how will it positively affect their lives and are there lessons or prayers for them? People like prayers.
When you pray for them they join.” This assertion was validated by the instantaneous reaction of the mammoth crowd that thronged into the museum space as the music icon reeled out tunes from his inexhaustible repertoire. The fans excitedly cue in, singing along as he effortlessly crooned select songs like Aimasiko, Ketekete, Obey Commander and Ara Nbada to their delight.
The ace curator who recently curated the Wole Soyinka @85 Exhibition, Timeless Memories: A Decade of Iconic Celebration enthused, “Curating this Museum Booth for an iconic figure like Evangelist (Prof.) Ebenezer Oluwaremilekun Olasupo Aremu Obey-Fabiyi (MFR), is nothing but a privilege I would forever cherish. It’s not just about telling the story of his selfless and legendary life, but also witnessing his accomplishments, struggles and success at the same time.
