Celebrities and fans mourn the death of Eric Arubayi

Eric Arubayi finished as the third runner-up at the 2007 edition of TV show, West African Idol. Credit: Various

2007 West African Idols finalist, Eric Arubayi passed on at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital on Saturday, February 11, 2017.

The Gospel singer, who’s survived by his wife of three years Chinonso and their son Jayden Arubayi, was reportedly rushed to the hospital after a brief illness.

While we wait for an official statement from his family, Nigerians – including his friends, fans and colleagues have mourned the death of the man who’s been labeled as a great soldier of Christ. Tributes after the cut..........

The musicians

May your soul Rest In Peace ERIC ARUBAYI

— EMPEROR JAGZ (@Jessejagz) February 12, 2017

Your smile was like a bright light!!!!
Rest #Eric
God knows best!!! https://t.co/tMRLzymdae

— Tim Godfrey (@timgodfreyworld) February 12, 2017

i celebrate your life Eric … you touched my life and many out there … i love you bro pic.twitter.com/DBOkoeAzoK

— PRAIZ #Folashade (@Praiz8) 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

Fine young man Eric Arubayi! But ur soul is d finest cos u gave it 2 d Lord!Plus ur talent!Devil ntooorr u lost this one!He's with the Lord! pic.twitter.com/d1DK1ZuH4p

— Obiora Obiwon (@ObioraObiwon) February 12, 2017

RIP @EricArubayi … Always greeted me in church. It is well with your soul 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/wd4b58O4Sb

— #SEYIORSHAYYOLOYOLO (@iamseyishay) February 12, 2017

Nollywood stars paid tribute too

E R I C ! 💔

— Chioma Akpotha (@Omakpotha) February 11, 2017

Sad to hear about the passing of Eric Arubayi. What a loss! So glad he was a man of faith & loved God with all his heart. #RIP #EricArubayi

— Daniel Ademinokan (@DaBishop007) February 11, 2017

💔 chinonsoarubayi Be Strong. https://t.co/kpiLNolsVS

— GIDEON (@GIDEON_OKEKE) February 11, 2017

Sad

— SunCountry (@MealdredO) February 11, 2017

I still said it yesterday, that he mustn't die oo, I said it on Thursday too, that he must… https://t.co/M4TLoEZ5rH

— Kemi Lala Akindoju (@lalaakindoju) February 11, 2017

What's really the point of Anything. #Weak

— GIDEON (@GIDEON_OKEKE) February 11, 2017

RIP Eric Arubayi …..great guy

— Imoh Umoren (@ImohUmoren) February 11, 2017

How does Eric just die… To think we still talked about quick actions and intercessions on Thursday!!! How?

— Kemi Lala Akindoju (@lalaakindoju) February 11, 2017

As did Radio and TV personalities

I pray God comforts Eric Arubayi’s family and loved ones.

Rest peacefully Eric Arubayi pic.twitter.com/BA6JRh8JEm

— Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (@Ebuka) February 12, 2017

This is just too sad.

— Cinderella Man (@Osi_Suave) February 12, 2017

The fans are pained too

The cars,the accolades, the busy schedules will not matter when our real self leaves this rented body…#LiveForTheKingdom #ericarubayi

— BIG Guy™ (@Mr_Gozie) February 12, 2017

Rest on Eric great soldier of Christ!!! You fought ur battle well. Sing and praise with d Angels. #ericarubayi#RIPEric pic.twitter.com/E6I1uWE14e

— may9tauran (@basiemerald) February 12, 2017

Eric Arubayi your sultry soothing tones uplifted through gospel as Marvin Gaye was soul to R&B

— Ola Opesan (@2_opesan) February 12, 2017

Wow. Always hard to see a young person with so much promise pass on. Rest in peace, Eric Arubayi. May God grant his family the fortitude

— Simon De Gooner (@WF_SimonSEEZ) February 12, 2017

Rest in peace Eric Arubayi. Such an amazing talent gone too soon…

— Oye (@O2Boom) February 12, 2017

God rest your soul and keep you with his Angels Eric Arubayi. This is so Sad.

— LYNNY (@Hellynux) February 12, 2017

#ericarubayi oh death where is your sting! And grave thy victory. You will not hold the saints of God to ransome. Jesus has overcome! RIP

— Moral Benjamin (@benbriggz) February 12, 2017

My heart is really heavy. Its never easy 2 lose some1 u know. We can only b consoled by his love 4 Christ. We miss u Eric. RIP #ericarubayi

— Miss Chε̲̣̣̣̥n (@epudom2k8) February 12, 2017

My first impression of #EricArubayi was "who is this fine boy singing go house on the rock church?". Didn't even know he was 3rd runner up..

— Paris.O (@missappleberry) February 12, 2017

Eric Arubayi is gone 😢😢😢
this is the saddest news ever😭😭
Not Eric ,God please wake him up

— ♥Eyiwunmi♥♣♠ (@JustDamie) February 12, 2017

I just can't believe Eric Arubayi is dead! Like I'm in shock! How does this even happen, God of Mercy & Compassion

— Phanny (@pweetyphi) February 12, 2017

Indeed his is a great loss to the world

Terrible Terrible News…. RIP Eric Arubayi…. This is indeed a great loss to the World… Love you buh Jesus loves you More  #ericarubayi

— CONQUEROR (@vectorvelocy) February 12, 2017

  

May his soul rest in peace, Amen.