By Sewe Ishola

There are reports that African Idols 2007 runner-up, and gospel artist, Eric Arubayi, who died yesterday, Feb 11th at Delta State University Teaching Hospital may have died due to fake drugs.

According to reports, Eric had not been suffering from any terminal disease,  which could have hastened his death.

A source close to him revealed that, “We were together at a party last week Sunday and he didn’t show any signs of being ill. During the week he just had a mild bout of malaria which was not life-threatening,” the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said.

The source also suggested – as their other friends do too – that the medication he used may have caused his death.

“I cannot tell you more than this as I’ve not seen his wife and it is still very painful to talk about.”

However, he could not ascertain if the medication was bought at a pharmacy or was given to him at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital where he passed away yesterday February 11.

Meanwhile, celebrities and artistes have been writing tributes about the gospel artiste:

Kelvin Sapp
Eric is among one of the guys who has kept asking me to relocate to lagos fully and most times I just tell him “Oga no worry I dey come cut the session with you soonest” Eric will tell me oh boy no joke with the malachi oh” We meet last in December,had a wonderful service at CGMI egiyere zonal HQT warri,cool guy that does not know how to form when he is with his hommies. We disturbed the service sha,himself @youngchiefyic nd I. It was so inspiring and fun that day with him and Eric has this unique pitch sha??nd because we always meet at #lagoswedding where he would take a session of worship before opening prayers. I had to nickname him #theweddingworshipper. Rest in God’s bossom .

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!!!

Gaise Baba
Last time we saw was at Pita’s As I Am concert. Such a beautiful soul, you didn’t need to be really close to see it.
Good night brother, see you on the other side of eternity.
Praying God comes through mightily as a rock for your wife and son.
#EricArubayi
Friends, May we make the most of our time on this earth.

Goodnight brother. We met few times, very few times, but always so kind. That smile. The warmth.
My memory of you IS an inspiration, Eric.

Heaven just increased in beauty!

#EricArubayi

Lepacious Bose
I am posting this video with trembling hands: I literally went to bed on top of the world and the bitter news of your death, knocked me flat, and put the world right on top of me. I had to scroll through the pages of mutual friends to believe it…… Who are we to ask why? You lived right and did right, proclaimed Christ and carried his name like a banner for all to see…..
Today Lord my heart is so very heavy… Help me to hold on to my faith and the truth that you are a good God….. The voices I hear in my head says otherwise, my tears say different but my spirit knows your word. Help me to believe and trust you right now cos my faith is so weak and fragile and my flesh is weak.
Renew my strength Lord, restore my joy, renew my mind and remind me once again of your goodness and love
Eric…. Oh dear Eric….. Heaven received an angel…. But everywhere suddenly seen darker as the world lost a bright shining star…….. It is well…. I have to keep saying this today…. It is indeed well.

Praiz
This was the first day we met… the idols audition … i didn’t mKe it but u did … even after making it big u took me along..
You gave me hope that i cud succeed… treated me like a brother .. seeing u on tv sing and smile gave my heart a lift and hope …
I remember when u wud call me to tell me u were coming to abuja and invite me.. U made me feel like i was a star..introduced me to everyone…
And when i was leaving back to Kaduna ,u will give me alot of money and clothes.. i never thought i wud have.. I remember when u forced @omawonder to make me sing cos i didnt make it to the idols show…
You taught me how to sing in falsetto… i never thought it was possible cos of my voice texture… u pushed me and taught me how. …..ERIC ?

The singer who celebrated his 3rd wedding anniversary on Dec. 28th 2016, leaves behind a wife, Chinonso and a son. He was just in his mid-30s.