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Legendary Nigerian musician and evangelist Ebenezer Obey has shared how he resisted God’s call into full-time ministry for 11 years before eventually surrendering to what he described as a divine assignment.
The 84-year-old music icon made the revelation during an interview on Tales of Our Legends, where he reflected on his remarkable journey from being one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians to becoming a full-time evangelist.
Known for his timeless Juju music and inspirational songs, Obey disclosed that although he repeatedly received God’s instruction to leave his successful entertainment career for ministry, he struggled to accept the call because of his deep passion for music and the fulfilment he found in entertaining people.
According to him, his eventual transition into evangelism was made possible through the guidance and encouragement of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, whom he described as instrumental in helping him embrace his divine purpose.
Successful Career Made Decision Difficult
Reflecting on his life, Obey admitted that leaving the music industry after decades of success was one of the hardest decisions he had ever faced.
Having enjoyed widespread popularity across Nigeria and beyond, the veteran singer said he found it difficult to imagine abandoning a career that had brought him recognition, fulfilment and countless achievements.
“After a successful music career that spanned over 30 years, the Lord called me into the ministry. That was not an easy task. I did not want to do that because I enjoyed what I was doing,” he said.
Despite the repeated spiritual promptings, Obey explained that he continued saying no because he believed he was already fulfilling his purpose through music.
However, he said God’s plan for his life eventually became impossible to ignore.
‘God Has His Own Way’
According to the veteran musician, resisting God’s direction only delayed what had already been destined for his life.
He explained that when God has a purpose for someone, circumstances eventually align to ensure that person walks in that calling.
“But when God wants you to do something, He has His own way of bringing you to do what He wants you to do, so that you cannot go outside His will.
“After 11 years of saying no, I finally said yes,” he recalled.
Obey said accepting the call marked the beginning of a completely new chapter in his life.
Benson Idahosa’s Divine Message
The music legend also narrated how the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa unexpectedly contacted him after receiving what he described as a divine instruction while ministering in the United States.
According to Obey, Idahosa explained that God specifically mentioned his name during one of the cleric’s crusades abroad.
“Late Archbishop Benson Idahosa was the one who sent for me to Benin, and I went to see him.
“He said when he was in the United States at a crusade, the Lord spoke to him that when he goes back to Nigeria, he should call His son Ebenezer Obey to work for Him in the ministry,” he revealed.
Rather than pressuring him into making an immediate decision, Obey said the respected cleric encouraged him to continue praying while seeking God’s direction.
Training Before Ministry
Obey further disclosed that Archbishop Idahosa arranged for him to travel to the United States to observe how Christian ministries operated before stepping fully into evangelism.
The experience, he said, gave him valuable insight into ministry and prepared him for the work ahead.
“He said, ‘I am not rushing you; let us continue to pray about it.’
“He also said he would send me to the United States to observe how ministry is being run. That he did,” Obey explained.
The veteran singer said those experiences strengthened his conviction that God was indeed calling him into ministry.
Ordained At 50
Eventually, Obey accepted the call and was ordained as an evangelist by Archbishop Idahosa on his 50th birthday.
Looking back, he expressed gratitude for obeying God’s instruction despite his initial reluctance.
“I thank God that on my 50th birthday, he ordained me as an evangelist.
“I thank God I started my ministry. And for years, I have been fully into the ministry, using my music as a vehicle to win souls.”
Although he transitioned into full-time evangelism, Obey said music has remained central to his mission, serving as a powerful tool for preaching the gospel and inspiring people.
Today, decades after making that life-changing decision, the Juju music legend continues to be celebrated not only for his immense contribution to Nigerian music but also for his enduring commitment to Christian ministry and evangelism.
Watch him speak below…
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