Ebenezer Obey Becomes Professor Of Music At Nigerian University

Veteran Nigerian musician, Ebenezer Obey, has been appointed a Professor Emeritus at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State.

Obey will work as a visiting artiste in the Department of English and Performing Arts.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, Head of New Media, Mayree Uket, in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the COSON Chairman, Tony Okoroji, lauded Obey's appointment.

"His works and contributions to the music industry in Nigeria and beyond have continued to distinguish him. There is more to come for this great man; no doubt that the students and authorities of OOU will stand to gain richly from his wealth of knowledge and experience," Mr. Okoroji said.

The statement also quoted COSON's General Manager, Chinedu Chukwuji, as saying that Obey's appointment was an opportunity for the students to get hands-on experience from a distinguished music professional.

The statement said Obey pledged his commitment to the development of Performing Arts in the institution.

"I regard this as a great honour that I will hold dear to my heart as a development. I humbly accept the offer and assure the University authorities that as one of the legendary custodians of music in Africa and beyond. I promise to bring to bear my age-long experience in this industry for the maximum benefits of the students in particular and the University in general," Obey was quoted as saying.

The statement described Obey, a pioneer of Juju music, as a gift to the music industry in Africa and beyond.

Notable dignitaries in the Ogun state traditional and political circle who witnessed the event include the Alake of Egba land, Aremu Gbadebo, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, and former president Olusegun Obasanjo‘s wife Bola Obasanjo. Also present were Tony Okoroji, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, Demola Dada, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Hon Adejare, Barrister Segun Odumela and ace music producer, Laolu Akins.