Lagos Audience Enchanted By FirstBank-Sponsored Obey The Musical

According to Ireporter Online, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has sponsored the stage play Obey The Musical, a biographical production celebrating the life and legacy of juju music legend Evangelist Professor Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi.

The two-day performance, held on December 25 and 26 at the Agip Hall, Muson Centre, Lagos Island, drew large crowds as part of the Yuletide festivities. The show was hosted by Joseph Edgar of The Duke of Somolu Foundation and written by Emmanuel Adejumo, son of the late veteran comedian Baba Sala.

Obey The Musical chronicles Chief Ebenezer Obey’s journey from his early school years to his rise as a household name in Nigeria’s music industry. Through live music, traditional dance, drama, and storytelling, the production highlights his contributions in taking juju music from local streets to national prominence.

During the first act, a tribute was paid to the late Segun Awolowo Jr., a dedicated supporter of the foundation’s theatrical productions. Veteran actor and talk show host Yemi Sodimu led a minute of silence in his honor. Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Managing Director of Oodu’a Investment Company Limited, lauded Awolowo Jr.’s commitment to the arts and praised the production team and sponsors for continuing his legacy.

The play explored Obey’s academic excellence, musical milestones—including his breakthrough at Deca Records—and defining personal moments, such as the loss of his wife, which profoundly influenced his artistry. The audience responded emotionally to these scenes, highlighting the performance’s impact.

The production also captured Obey’s transition into evangelism, demonstrating how his Christian faith shaped both his music and personal life. Themes of perseverance, discipline, faith, and consistency were central, positioning Obey’s life as both a creative journey and a moral lesson.

Directed by Joseph Edgar, popularly known as the Duke of Somolu, the musical was praised for its meticulous attention to detail, from costumes and makeup to stage design and orchestration. The live band performed many of Obey’s classic hits, prompting audience sing-alongs throughout the show.

After the performance, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting arts and culture in Nigeria. He emphasized that the partnership reflects FirstBank’s long-standing support for the creative industry and highlighted the bank’s First@arts initiative, which has championed Nigeria’s arts sector for 131 years.

Ijabiyi also noted that the bank’s annual DecemberIssaVybe campaign provides platforms for live performances, concerts, and cultural events aimed at both local and international audiences. Preparations for the 2026 edition of DecemberIssaVybe are already underway, promising an even more extensive program of entertainment offerings.