On April 22, 2025, the renowned Nigerian jùjú music icon, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, took to social media to set the record straight, dispelling rumors of his passing with a spirited video message.

At 83 years old, the veteran musician, fondly known as Chief Commander, addressed the false claims that had been circulating since the previous day, Monday, April 21.

The rumors had sparked an outpouring of tributes and condolences from fans across social media platforms, causing widespread concern.

However, Obey’s cheerful demeanor and vibrant performance in the video quickly reassured his followers that he is very much alive, healthy, and in high spirits.

In the video shared by The Nation Nigeria on X, Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi can be seen wearing a light blue striped traditional outfit, seated against a backdrop of floral curtains.

With a smile on his face, he sang a lively tune in a mix of Yoruba, English, and Pidgin, directly confronting the misinformation.

His lyrics included the playful yet firm declaration, “Hello, 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.”

This translated to him calling out the falsehoods and asserting his vitality, attributing the rumors to mischief and falsehoods that he triumphantly overcame.

Following the song, he spoke directly to his audience, stating, “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.”

His words carried a deep spiritual undertone, reflecting his long-standing faith as a gospel minister since the early 1990s.

This isn’t the first time Obey has had to address such rumors. In 2020, similar false reports about his death surfaced, prompting him to publicly clarify his status.

The recurring nature of these hoaxes highlights the challenges faced by public figures in the digital age, where misinformation can spread rapidly. Born on April 3, 1942, in Idogo, Ogun State, Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi began his musical journey in the 1950s after moving to Lagos.

He gained prominence with his band, The International Brothers, later renamed the Inter-Reformers, blending highlife and jùjú with Yoruba percussion traditions.

Known for his praise-singing for Nigerian elites and his spiritually infused music, Obey remains a cultural treasure in Nigeria and beyond.

His recent video not only quashed the rumors but also reminded fans of his enduring legacy and unwavering faith.

Watch the video below: