Evang Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, a music legend, described how doctors called to tell him that his son Olayinka had fewer than six months to live owing to a condition associated with alcoholism.
In response to the death of his son, Ebenezer Obey established the “Freedom from Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Ministry (FADAM)” to combat these problems among Nigerian young.
At the age of 48, Olayinka Obey-Fabiyi passed away abroad on July 28, 2022.
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He expressed sorrow over his son’s passing and claimed that, despite his fatherly efforts, nothing could stop him from succumbing to his weakness.
The doctors called me six months ago to inform me that Yinka has less than six months to live; this was very painful and bad news that a father must not hear about his son since then.
“l went back to the Holy Spirit to teach me what to do and the result of my communication with the Holy Spirit is the launching of this ministry.
“I have received several condolence messages from all and sundry. l appreciate and thank you all for your love and concern,” he said.
This is contained in a statement signed by the General Manager of his music group, Mr Tunji Odunmbaku, which was made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan.
Obey-Fabiyi had launched the ministry as part of his efforts to join forces in the fight against alcoholism and drug addiction among younger generation in Nigeria and in Diaspora.
He said that the newly launched ministry was aside his popular Decross Gospel Mission and Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministry.
He said the new ministry was launched in UK to turn pains of his son’s death into a solution ministry for parents and families of youths passing through the same experience.
The renowned musician said that the effort was to “massively enlighten and educate youths on the danger of alcoholism as well as drug addiction”.
He said that FADAM would also become an avenue to assist parents as well as families of alcoholic and drug-addicted youths.
According to him, it will allow them to overcome the challenges and make their children better citizens of society.
Obey-Fabiyi, then thanked his late son’s friends for their efforts and supports, appreciating Shina, his eldest son, for coordinating all his younger ones for extra and special care for Yinka till the end.
He also thanked the pastors, elders and the entire Decross Family for everything.
“Once again, I appreciate all condolences, but let us rather turn further condolences to prayer support of this new ministry to help those who are in pain of alcoholism and drug addiction.
Obey-Fabiyi assured fans and music lovers that the incident, though sad, would not in any way affect all his pending performance engagements.
According to him, all engagements and commitments remain valid and unaffected