Eric Arubayi, a Nigerian gospel singer and the 3rd runner up of West African Idol, died on Saturday, February 11, 2017.
His passing was confirmed to The Trent by fellow West African Idol Alumnus, Timi Dakolo, who won the reality TV contest in 2007.
Arubayi was a popular worship leader at the House on the Rock Church and performed at many gospel events around the country. He launched his debut album, Redefined in 2011. The album featured stars like Jesse Jagz. He is popularly known for hits like I Go Make Am, Mr DJ, One Love, One Voice, and Everything. He was also an interior decorator.
“I hate to lose anybody. There’s no happy man like Eric,” Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the senior pastor of House on The Rock Church in Lagos, is quoted as saying on Sunday.
“Eric is with God now. Eric cannot be resurrected, he is not coming back. He’s dead…with the Lord but he’s happy. We mourn because we miss him but Eric is in a good place now.”
Eric Arubayi, who was married with a child, reportedly took ill and bought a malaria drug and took it.
Unfortunately, the drug was expired and led to a kidney failure. He was rushed to the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, where he went into a coma and died a few days later.
This detail was published on Twitter by Jude ‘Feranmi, the youth leader of KOWA Party.
Eric Arubayi was bitten by a mosquito
Had malaria
Bought drugs
Took itDrugs were expired
Liver failed
Went into coma
DiedThis is Nigeria
— Jobs! Jobs!! Jobs!!! (@JudeFeranmi) February 12, 2017
There have been reactions to this news.
Eric Arubayi died after taking expired drugs,so sad.
Times like this reminds me of d great work Dora Akunyuli did at NAFDAC.
Great woman.— Melody (@melody_hassan) February 12, 2017
Pls can there be an autopsy, forensic investigation in2 Eric's death. Where did the drugs come from? We can't just chill! #ericarubayi
— Chilee Agunanna (@ChileeChills) February 12, 2017
The late gospel singer was the son of Professor Eric and Diana Arubayi. His father Prof. Eric Arubayi was the vice chancellor of Delta State University, and his childhood was spent in the town of Abraka, where he grew up with his three siblings – Erica, Derrick and Daniel.
Eric Arubayi married makeup artist, vlogger, and model, Chinonso in December 2013 in their home state of Delta. They had a son, Jaden.
Nigerian Entertainers Mourn Eric Arubayi
Join me to celebrate my friend Eric Arubayi's life.💔 we cry.. but not as those without faith for we know we will meet again.. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/w9SoufS1od
— The Guy (@MI_Abaga) February 12, 2017
This is how we will remember Eric Arubayi. Praising His God with reckless abandon. #GoWithGodEric pic.twitter.com/Elst1k9efg
— Isioma Osaje (@MsJazzyfied) February 12, 2017
Sing on for the Lord in Heaven Eric Arubayi! You already gave Him your life & talent here! We miss ur quality! #Prayers for ur young family pic.twitter.com/PPrV0vgWtJ
— Obiora Obiwon (@ObioraObiwon) February 12, 2017
Heaven just gained a new angel 🙏🏾 Rest In Peace Eric Arubayi 💔
— Golden Ugonna (@Golden_Ugonna) February 12, 2017
Ayodotun Rotimi-Akinfenwa
This is how I remember you, playful, mischievous but kind, ministry-minded ? Heart so heavy… all I can think of are his wife and little boy… Rest well Eric, in His bosom!
Peggy Ovire
I can’t believe it, I choose Not to accept, You were Such a pleasant fellow from Abraka Days , A strong believer of Christ & Am So heart broken this Morning ?….. May you Rest In Peace Brotherly #Gone2soon#Eric#Rip????
Tim Godfrey
Your smile was like a bright light!!!!
Rest #Eric
God knows best!!!
I had a huge respect for your music & personality. GOD knows best. #RIP #ericarubayi pic.twitter.com/sZvFR9M4RF
— Maze Couture (@mazecouture) February 12, 2017
1 Cor. 15:55. Rest In Peace my bro @EricArubayi. You were the first to believe in me as a PR practitioner. You are forever in my heart. pic.twitter.com/nkangoJTAu
— ♚ R I C K (@RickNwanso) February 12, 2017
Heaven just gained an angel Eric Arubayi joins the host of angels in praises to God. So painful yet grateful. I miss you brother…. pic.twitter.com/hrBtjcoDoY
— Joseph Osodi (@josephekwu) February 12, 2017