Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi MFR, born on April 3, 1942, is popularly known by his stage name, Ebenezer Obey. He is a renowned Nigerian jùjú music legend.
Ebenezer Obey was born on April 3, 1942, in Idogo, located in Ogun State, Nigeria.
He hails from the Egba-Yoruba ethnic group, specifically from the Owu clan, a prominent subgroup of the Egba people.
His full birth name is Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Fabiyi.
Ebenezer Obey Facts
Birth Name: Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi
Fame as: Chief Commander
Born Date: 3 April 1942
Place Of Birth: Idogo, Southern Region, British Nigeria (now Idogo, Ogun State, Nigeria)
Origin: Lagos, Nigeria
Genres: Jùjú music
Career
Ebenezer Obey launched his music career professionally in the mid-1950s after relocating to Lagos.
He first honed his craft under the mentorship of Fatai Rolling-Dollar before forming his own band, The International Brothers, in 1964.
The group blended highlife with jùjú music, a fusion that gained popularity and eventually evolved into The Inter-Reformers Band in the early 1970s.
They achieved significant success, releasing numerous jùjú hit albums under the West African Decca record label.
Obey’s innovative approach included experimenting with Yoruba percussion and enriching his band’s sound by incorporating multiple guitars, drum kits, and talking drums.
He is especially known for skillfully embedding traditional Yoruba proverbs and wise sayings into his upbeat, danceable tracks.
Like many Yoruba musicians, Obey’s band became famous for praise-singing wealthy Nigerian elites and prominent figures.
Beyond secular music, Ebenezer Obey is also celebrated for his spiritually uplifting songs.
Since the early 1990s, he has focused primarily on gospel music, embracing ministry through melodies.
Fondly referred to as “Chief Commander” by fans, he has performed with notable gospel artists, including Pastor Kunle Ajayi, notably sharing the stage during Ajayi’s 30th anniversary concert in Lagos.
Personal life
In 1963, Ebenezer Obey tied the knot with Juliana Olaide Olufade. She later became known as Lady Evangelist Juliana Obey-Fabiyi.
Sadly, she passed away at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital on August 23, 2011, at the age of 67.
Together, they were blessed with several children and grandchildren.
Partial discography
- 1964 Ewa Wo Ohun Ojuri
- 1965 Aiye Gba Jeje b/w Ifelodun*Gari Ti Won b/w Orin Adura
- 1966 Awolowo Babawa Tide b/w Oluwa Niagbara Emi Mi*Palongo b/w Teti Ko Gboro Kan*Oro Miko Lenso b/w Orin Ajinde*Late Justice Olumide Omololu b/w Iyawo Ti Mo Ko Fe
- 1967 Olomi Gbo Temi b/w Maria Odeku*To Keep Nigeria One b/w Awa Sope Odun Titun*Edumare Lon Pese b/w Omo Olomo*Ope Fun Oluwa b/w Paulina
- 1968 Ore Mi E Si Pelepele b/w Ajo Ni Mo wa*Ijebu L’ade b/w Lati Owolabi*Col. Ben Adekunle b/w Ori Bayemi*Lolade Wilkey b/w Adetunji Adeyi*Gbe Bemi Oluwa b/w Olowo Laiye Mo
- 1969 Ode To Nso Eledumare b/w Pegan Pegan*Sanu-olu b/w K’Oluwa So Pade Wa*London Lawa Yi b/w Oro Seniwo*Isokan Nigeria / etc.*Eni Mayo Ayo / etc1969/1970*Emi Yio Gbe Oluwa Ga b/w Ise Teni
- 1970 Lawyer Adewuyi*Ala Taja Bala b/w Ohun Toluwa Ose*Ogun Pari / etc.*In London*On The Town
- 1971 Ija Pari (Part One) b/w Ija Pari (Part Two)*Esa Ma Miliki b/w Awon Alhaji*Face to Face b/w Late Rex Lawson*Oro Nipa Lace b/w Yaro Malaika
- 1972 Late Oba Gbadelo II*Board Members*Vol.4: Aiye Wa A Toro*In London Vol. 3*Odun Keresimesi
- 1973 And His Miliki Sound*The Horse, The Man and His Son*E Je Ka Gbo T’Oluwa*Adeventure of Mr. Music*Mo Tun Gbe De
- 1974 Inter-Reformers A Tunde*Eko Ila*Around the World*Iwalka Ko Pe
- 1975 Mukulu Muke Maa Jo*Ota Mi Dehin Lehin Mi*Alo Mi Alo*Edumare Dari Jiwon
- 1976 Late Great Murtara Murtala Ramat Muhammed*Operation Feed The Nation
- 1977 Eda To Mose Okunkun*Immortal Sings for Travellers*Adam and Eve
- 1978 Igba Owuro Lawa*Oluwa Ni Olusa Aguntan Mi*No Place Be Like My Country Nigeria
- 1979 In the Sixties Vol.1*In the Sixties Vol.2*Igba Laiye*Sky*E Wa Kiye Soro Mi*Omo Mi Gbo Temi
- 1980 Leave Everything to God*Current Affairs*Sound of the Moment*Eyi Yato
- 1981 Joy of Salvation*What God Has Joined Together
- 1982 Celebration*Austerity*Precious Gift
- 1983 Ambition*Singing for the People*Greatest Hits Vol. 3*Je Ka Jo*Thank You (Ose)
- 1984 The Only Condition to Save Nigeria*Solution*Peace1985*Security*My Vision
- 1986 Gbeja Mi Eledumare*Satisfaction*Providence
- 1987 Aimasiko*Immortality*Victory*Patience
- 1988 Determination*Vanity
- 1989 Formula 0-1-0*Get Yer Jujus Out
- 1990 Count Your Blessing*On the Rock
- 1991 Womanhood
- 1993 Good News
- 1994 I Am a Winner*Walking Over (1994 ?)
- 1995 The Legend
- 1999 Millennial Blessings
- 2000 Promised Land
- 2002 Ase Oluwa
Why Treending
Ebenezer Obey is currently in the spotlight following a series of recent developments that have drawn significant public attention:
1. Death Hoax Debunked:
On April 21, 2025, false rumors about Ebenezer Obey’s death began circulating online.
However, his personal assistant, Tope Olukole, swiftly dismissed the speculation, confirming that the music icon is alive and in good health.
To further dispel the misinformation, Obey shared a video in which he appeared vibrant and energetic, reassuring fans that he is doing well.
2. Celebration of 83rd Birthday:
Earlier in the month, on April 3, 2025, Obey marked his 83rd birthday with a special thanksgiving service held at Decross Gospel Mission in Lagos.
The celebration attracted prominent personalities, fans, and well-wishers from various walks of life.
The occasion also honored his impressive 68-year journey in the music industry, celebrating his lasting legacy and impact on Nigerian music.
3. Trending Wedding Appearance:
Ebenezer Obey also made headlines for his appearance at the traditional wedding of Priscy, daughter of Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo, and Tanzanian music artist Juma Jux.
Footage of Obey at the ceremony quickly went viral, sparking admiration and excitement across social media platforms.