Reps Summon Naira Marley Over Mohbad's Royalties

The House of Representatives has summoned singer Azeez Fashola, who goes by the stage name Naira Marley, to appear before it.

In a bid to secure the musical rights of the works of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, the House of Representatives, on Thursday, summoned controversial singer Azeez Fashola, Naira Marley, to appear before it.

The House Committee on Justice, Youth and Legislative Compliance, also invited Mohbad’s manager, Jiggy Adeoye, to appear on October 31.

Mohbad, a former signee in Naira Marley’s record label, died on September 12, 2023, in controversial circumstances. The Lagos State Government ordered a coroner’s inquest into the death of the 27-year-old singer.

The House resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Babajimi Benson, the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos State on Thursday.

Benson emphasised the need to review the laws governing the entertainment industry in a bid to safeguard artists’ copyrights and royalties.

During the debate on the matter at the plenary session on Sept 26, the lawmakers had expressed their commitment to ensuring proper compensation and royalties for Mohbad’s musical works.

The lawmakers also pledged to monitor the ongoing investigation into his death and the royalties accruing to him.

In a letter dated Oct. 26, signed by the Committee’s Clerk, Mr. Yusuf Ibrahim, the house formally summoned both Naira Marley and Mohbad’s manager.

This was to provide insights into the situation and guide the committee on potential legislative action.

The letter was routed through the President of the Performing Musicians Associations of Nigeria.

October 27, 2023