Veteran Nigerian musician Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi has debunked widespread rumours of his death, confirming in a video message on Tuesday that he is alive, strong, and in good health.
In the video, the 83-year-old legend delivered an energetic performance, singing in Yoruba, English, and Pidgin to deny the false report.
βHello, 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,β he sang.
Obey-Fabiyi went on to describe the rumour as completely untrue, stating, βIt 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.β
The rumour, which circulated widely on Monday, triggered a wave of mourning among fans before it was promptly addressed.
His personal assistant, Tope Olukole, also spoke to TVC News that evening to dismiss the claim.
βLetβs set the record straight: Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi is alive and thriving! He recently celebrated a joyous occasion β the 50th birthday of his second childβs spouse,β Olukole said.
βRumours of his passing are baseless and entirely unfounded. Weβre glad to see him active and well.β
The false report emerged just weeks after the music icon celebrated his 83rd birthday.