Ebenezer Obey Debunks Death Rumors: A Summary of Events

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Key Takeaways:

• False Death Reports: On April 21–22, 2025, rumors about musical legend Ebenezer Obey circulated online, declaring his death.
• Obey's Response: He refuted these claims in a video, reassuring fans of his well-being.
• Official Confirmation: His personal assistant and fact-checkers upheld his statements, highlighting the dangers of misinformation.
• Broader Implications: The incident brings attention to ongoing issues surrounding false claims about public figures.

Table of Contents

1. Key Details of the Incident
2. Obey’s Direct Response
3. Official Statements
4. Relation to the Naija Times Article
5. Broader Implications
6. FAQs

Key Details of the Incident

On April 21–22, 2025, false reports regarding the passing of Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, the iconic Nigerian juju music legend, spread quickly across various social media platforms, including Nairaland and X (formerly Twitter). These rumors sparked widespread panic and led to spontaneous tributes from concerned fans, all stemming from an unverified post that lacked credibility.

• Origin of Rumors: The rumors began on April 21, with posts on social media claiming the renowned musician had died Pulse Nigeria.
• Public Reaction: Fans expressed their shock and sadness, leading to a flurry of premature tributes across platforms The Guardian.

Obey’s Direct Response

Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi addressed the false rumors head-on in a video he shared on April 22, 2025. In this passionate response, he sang in multiple languages, including Yoruba, English, and Pidgin, to reinforce his message to his followers and fans.

“Satan, you don lose o… Na lie lie you dey talk… It is fake news… I am alive, and that is not the word Jesus has written.”

In this statement, he referred to the claims as “baseless” and further reassured his fans with his active participation in family events, such as celebrating his son-in-law’s 50th birthday Pulse Nigeria.

Official Statements

The affirmation of Obey's well-being came from his close circle as well:

• Tope Olukole (Personal Assistant):

  • Confirmed Obey’s current health status and recent public appearances, stating clearly:

  “Let’s set the record straight: Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi is alive and thriving!” The Nation.

• Fact-Checking Organizations:

  • Organizations like Africa Check and FactCheck Africa stepped in to verify the claims, concluding that Obey is indeed alive. They noted that this is not the first time Obey faced death hoaxes, referencing a similar incident in 2020 where he publicly assured fans he was “hale and hearty” FactCheck Africa.

Relation to the Naija Times Article

While the specific article from Naija Times about this incident is inaccessible for direct review, the information it likely conveyed aligns with reports from credible sources like Pulse Nigeria, The Guardian, and Daily Post Nigeria. These reputable outlets confirm:

1. Origin of the Rumor: The false social media posts began circulating on April 21, 2025.
2. Debunking Method: Obey’s multilingual video response and Olukole’s interviews served to dispel the rumors.
3. Historical Context: This incident is part of a broader trend of recurring death hoaxes about famous Nigerian celebrities, accentuating the pressing need for responsible reporting The Guardian.

For further insights, you can access coverage through this link: Naija Times.

Broader Implications

This incident exemplifies the ongoing problem with misinformation, especially regarding aging public figures like Ebenezer Obey. The spread of these unfounded rumors reflects a pattern seen with other notable Nigerian icons, such as Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and Jimi Solanke, who have also faced false news about their deaths.

The incident underscores the need for:

• Verified Reporting: Reliable sources must prioritize accuracy over sensationalism to prevent undue panic.
• Public Awareness: Fans and followers should critically assess information before sharing it, especially concerning sensitive topics like death.

Conclusively, as we navigate the landscape of digital communication, the significance of truth in reporting becomes increasingly pronounced FactCheck Africa.

FAQs

Q1: What led to the rumors about Ebenezer Obey's death?
The false rumors originated from an unverified social media post that circulated on April 21, 2025.

Q2: How did Ebenezer Obey respond to the rumors?
He refuted the claims in a video, assuring fans of his well-being while singing in multiple languages.

Q3: What actions were taken to verify the authenticity of the claims?
Fact-checking organizations, including Africa Check and FactCheck Africa, confirmed that the rumors about Obey’s death were false.

Q4: Has Ebenezer Obey faced similar rumors in the past?
Yes, this incident mirrors a previous occurrence in 2020 when he had to publicly affirm his health status.

Q5: What are the broader implications of such misinformation?
This situation highlights the need for responsible reporting and the dangers associated with sharing unverified information regarding public figures.

The ongoing saga of false claims about public figures emphasizes a critical need for media literacy and responsible consumption of information. For fans of Ebenezer Obey, his recent reaffirmation of life is a grounding reminder of the importance of supporting our legends while staying informed.