Renowned Nigerian music icon Naira Marley – real name Azeez Fashola, creator of Marlian Music label – has been summoned by the House of Representatives over a rights dispute regarding the royalties of a late artiste, Ilerioluwa Aloba, famously known as Mohbad.
The invitation was offered by the House Committee on Justice, Youth and Legislative Compliance, scrutinising the circumstances surrounding the royalties and other benefits linked to Mohbad’s work.
Mohbad, a fallen star of the African music scene, passed away under contentious circumstances on 12th September 2023 at the age of 27. His death sparked widespread grief, not only for his unexpected passing but also for the mystery surrounding it. This led the Lagos State Government to order a coroner’s inquest into the event, underlining the gravity of the situation.
The summons to Naira Marley – originator of Marlian Music, the record label under which Mohbad had produced his music – occurred on Thursday. Jiggy Adeoye, Mohbad’s manager, has also been issued with the same summons, scheduled for October 31.
A dispatch to Naira Marley and Mohbad’s legal representatives outlined the reasons for the invitation. It stated, “The House Committees on Justice, Youth and Legislative Compliance invite you and the legal team of MOHBAD for an interactive meeting session as regards a referral received as a resolution of the House of Representatives during their plenary session on Tuesday 26th September 2023 with respect to the royalties and other benefits of Mohbad.”
This move stems from the House’s commitment to uphold the rights of artistes, as it comes amid concerns about the handling of Mohbad’s intellectual property in the aftermath of his passing.
The concerted action to summon Naira Marley and Adeoye originated from a motion adopted following a plea by Babajimi Benson, the representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State. As per the legislator’s proposal, an investigation is necessary to safeguard the artist’s rights and to ensure that any revenue generated from his works is correctly and ethically allocated.
It is important to note that the decision to summon Marley and Adeoye does not imply guilt; it only signifies the beginning of an inquiry. This inquiry will serve the dual purpose of ensuring justice for the late Mohbad, whilst reinforcing laws that protect and champion the rights of creative artistes in Nigeria.
Artists’ intellectual property rights are a crucial aspect that often gets overlooked in the vast landscape of Nigerian music. In a country boasting vibrant musical talents, the House’s move to scrutinize royalties offers renewed hope – a message to burgeoning artists that their creative work is valued and its worth will be protected.
The situation unfolding around Mohbad’s legacy continues to grip the Nigerian public, the music industry, and beyond. The investigation may shine a light on the handling of artists’ rights in Africa’s largest music industry. Analysts closely watching the case predict that it could potentially lead to more stringent regulations protecting performers’ content, thus leading to fairer distribution of revenue in the future.
Photo by Matt Botsford on Unsplash
