Nigerian Highlife music legend, Sir. Victor Olaiya, died on Wednesday in Lagos. at the age of 89. He passed away at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, where he was admitted after a brief illness.
Paying tribute to the late highlife legend, veteran Nigerian musician, Chief Ebenezer Obey, popularly called “Obey Commander” said:
“Nigeria has lost one of the African fathers of highlife music; he has contributed his quota to the development of the entertainment industry and I pray his soul rests in peace and God comforts his family.
“Olaiya was a very serious-minded person who projected the highlife music throughout the entire world.
“He is indeed a man to emulate. He later diverted to do business and he was a successful businessman also,” Obey said.
Also, the Mayegun of Yorubaland, Dr Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly called KWAM 1, has condoled with the family and fans of Dr Olaiya.
The Fuji music icon, in a statement said thus;
“Indeed, Sir Victor Olaiya’s death, though at the advanced age of 89, is a profound loss to the Yoruba race and global music industry; we are nonetheless comforted by the fact that he used his talent to bless humanity in general.
“The world would forever be grateful to him for the joy he propagated and has bequeathed posterity through his music.
“The thoughts and prayers of Yorubas across the world are with the Olaiya family at home and abroad,” he stated.
