Reps summon Naira Marley over Mohbad

The House of Representatives has summoned singer Azeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, over the royalties of the late singer Oladimeji Aloba aka Mohbad.

Mohbad was initially signed to Naira Marley’s record label Marlian Music where he became famous with hit tracks.

He left the label last year and was, before his death, in court to force the label to pay him his royalties.

Mohbad died at the age of 27 under unclear circumstances on Thursday, September 12.

A coroner’s inquest into his death has been launched by the Lagos State Government.

The House, through the Committee on Justice, Youth, and Legislative Compliance, also invited Mohbad’s manager Jiggy Adeoye.

Jiggy and Naira Marley are to appear before the committee on October 31.

The House’s decision to intervene in the matter was prompted by a motion sponsored by Rep. Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos).

Benson called for a review of the laws pertaining to the entertainment industry and copyright, expressing concerns about the contracts and agreements that artistes were often compelled to sign.

During the debate on the matter at the plenary session on September 26, the lawmakers 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.