Back in the 1970s, Nigeria’s Juju music scene was shaken by what fans and the press described as a “cold war” between two giants of the genre — Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade.
Though widely believed at the time, much of this rivalry was not directly between the musicians themselves, but rather stoked by overzealous fans and sensational reporting. Music enthusiasts often misinterpreted the lyrics of their songs as subtle digs at each other, while journalists amplified the narrative of a brewing feud.
Interestingly, the supposed competition proved commercially beneficial, as both Obey and Sunny Ade released records in quick succession, each selling massively to eager audiences who followed every development in the perceived clash.
The legendary Juju pioneer, I.K. Dairo, later stepped in to mediate, urging the two friends to clear the air and quell the rising tension. His intervention paved the way for a memorable reconciliation.
In August 1973, King Sunny Ade paid a surprise visit to the Obey Miliki Spot at Olonode, Yaba, Lagos. To the delight of fans, the two icons performed together on stage, silencing rumours of hostility and reaffirming their friendship.
That historic night not only ended the so-called cold war but also cemented the duo’s place as trailblazers who shaped Juju music into a global phenomenon.
