The singer passed away on Wednesday at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Managing Director of Evergreen Music Company, Bimbo Esho, shared the sad news on her Facebook page.
She wrote:
“The Death of the Doyen of Highlife music in Nigeria.
“The entire music world wish to announce the death of a Legend of Highlife music one of the last man standing, the last of the original Dr Victor Abimbola Olaiya OON..
“This untimely incident happened at Luth hospital Lagos State at exactly 12noon today Wednesday 12th of February, 2020.. We pray that the Doyen of highlife music find repose with the creator while wishing the family and entire music community the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss..
“And to my name sake Abimbola Olaiya I will miss your contribution to HIGHLIFE MUSIC . Dr Victor Abimbola Olaiya was 89 years of age on December 31st, 2019..
“Announcer Bimbo Esho. Managing Director of Evergreen Music Company Ltd”
The late Olaiya was a huge contributor to Nigerian music, and his recent collaboration with TuFace Idibia tells all. He had many children, including the late actress, Moji Olaiya, who died in 2017.
Since the news of his death broke, fans and music lovers have taken to social media to mourn him. See some reactions below.
My condolences to the family of Nigeria’s highlife legend, Sir Victor Olaiya, OON. His artful delivery on the trumpet and his hits from the 50s are moments we’d never forget. Most recently, the duet with @official2baba, was a musical bridge to travel. May his soul Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/xa9VNambw5
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) February 12, 2020
Adieu to the Godfather of Nigerian Highlife music. Rest in peace Baba Victor Olaiya. ???? pic.twitter.com/PeiGeB2hti
— Samuel Ayobami. (@hayourbahme) February 12, 2020
Pa Victor Olaiya?
Baby Jowo Crooner??
In moments like this, what do you say….just silence, a reverential silence for the departed soul of a LEGEND…?? pic.twitter.com/bQOWLwoV5O
— Funmilayo Babs-Osabinu ? (@FunmilayOsabinu) February 12, 2020
Rest in peace Sir Victor Olaiya.
I loved this man. I'm not Yoruba but listening to him was always soothing to the ears #RipVictorOlaiya https://t.co/kGxsBLM8Jp— Murphy Jesse (@Murphyjesse) February 12, 2020
Your music is a living record of a more innocent time brimming with hope, bristling with bonhomie.
Live forever, Dr Victor Olaiya. pic.twitter.com/q5Rg7CrlEn— Muyiwa Gbadegesin, PhD (@muyiwag) February 12, 2020
