Evergreen music icon, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-
Fabiyi is one of the beneficiaries of Ooni Okunade
Sijuwade’s large heart. In this exclusive interview
with SEYI SOKOYA, the music legend went down
memory lane from his first encounter with the Ooni
from the 60s till date and what he gained from the
relationship. Excerpts:
How and when I meet Ooni Okunade Sijuwade
I could remember vividly when I met with His Royal
Majesty, Ooni Okunade Sijuwade in person in the
early 60s though I have been hearing about him
before I eventually met him, especially for his good
heart and how he appreciates the culture and the
value of Nigeria and Africa and most importantly the
Yoruba race. I have also been hearing that he was a
very good lover of music and I had that impression.
At a time, he was invited to an engagement where I
performed. I was introduced to him and we
exchanged pleasantries. I was astonished with the
way he greeted me; he treated me as if we have
known each other for a very long time and right
there I confirmed in me that he was a man who
appreciated music. He said to me. Yes, Ebenezer
Obey, I have been hearing of you; it is my pleasure
meeting you. Please, keep on the good work. I
prostrated and said thank you sir. Our meeting and
the things he did on that day made me discover that
he was a kind of personwho had a special heart. I
think because of the fact that he was a man of culture
and tradition he knew the value and importance of
musicians. He appreciated me so much and sent
money to me on the stage for about three time
before he left the occasion. What I will never forget
in my life was that he called for me and said to me
with a cheerful heart that: ‘Ebenezer keep it up, awa
n gbadun ee (we are really enjoying you)’. His word of
encouragement was so heavy in my heart, because I
never expected such from someone I met for the
first time. I was shocked to have received such
complement from some of his calibre, though he was
not yet on the throne then, but a well respected
prince and a business tycoon.
The major attraction between the two of us
I would say that our first meeting opened door for a
successful relationship. We eventually became
closed, because I see him as a father and a mentor.
We later met abroad when my band was on a UK
tour. He was always made the chairman of the
student union societies and other associations, such
as associations of Ibadan, Egba, Ife and other
different societies of the Yoruba race. The students in
London were united to gather themselves together
being away from home. All these associations had
Ooni as their chairman and we usually meet at the
events. He also extended the same good heart while
while in the UK; I always visit him when I travel to
London. I cannot easily forget our relationship,
because he extended his large heart from Nigeria to
overseas. We always meet at weekends when I
perform for these associations. This spurred me to
maintain my relationship for him and also led me to
wax the first record entitled ‘Obey in London’ which I
did for him in 1969.
I prophesied that he would become a king even
when there was no vacancy.
It was like I was given the vision from above. He was
always carrying himself with dignity; not as a proud
person, but in a humble manner. The way he dresses
and does things were also singns of his chances to
earn him the royal seat. He never underrates
anyone. If Kabiyesi wanted to greet you; he will do
that from the bottom of his heart. He will let you
realise that you are important. His way of life and
approach are totally different. These are the things I
saw, coupled with the fact that I knew that he would
definitely become a king. This is the more reason I
did a second record when it now came to a reality. I
said “Oro ti mo so lojo si, o se tabi ko se oo; o se
Sijuwade…” I was just happy that what I said came to
pass and it was nothing other than the way the man
carried himself.
Rewarding relationship with Ooni
Honestly, it was rewarding. My relationship with His
Royal Majesty was really rewarding. The first and
second records were some of the rewards. He sent
for me immediately this prophesy came to pass. This
also made me to perform at his coronation
ceremony. Not only that; I am always blessed with
words of wisdom whenever I visit him. He would
beckon on his chiefs to join us as at his garden
whenever I pay him a visit. His words of wisdom and
the way he kept the relationship have been useful to
me.
His weakness that was and how I coped with it?
Somebody like me must not be looking for
someone’s weakness.
A Yoruba proverb says: “A child cannot know or must
not search for the secret of elderly persons”. The
only thing to do is to admire and respect somebody
of that nature. He is the father of the people and as
for me, I don’t look for his weakness, because I never
had such thought. I was only appreciating every good
thing in him. Even aside the Ooni, I always love to
look for the good side of everyone I come across.
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