The House of Representatives has taken steps to secure compensation and royalties for the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, who recently passed away under controversial circumstances. As part of this effort, the House’s Committee on Justice, Youth, and Legislative Compliance has summoned Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, to appear before it. Jiggy Adeoye, the manager of the late singer, has also been invited to an interactive session scheduled for Tuesday.
Mohbad, a former signee of Naira Marley’s record label, passed away on September 12 at the age of 27. The House decided to intervene in the matter following the adoption of a motion presented by Babajimi Benson, a member of the APC representing Lagos. Benson called for a review of the laws governing the entertainment industry and copyright regulations. He also expressed concerns about the contracts and agreements that entertainers are often compelled to sign.
In a letter dated October 26 and signed by the committee’s clerk, Yusuf Ibrahim, the House formally requested the presence of both Naira Marley and Mohbad’s manager to provide guidance for further legislative action. This letter was transmitted through the President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria.
The House’s efforts to secure proper compensation and royalties for Mohbad are commendable, as they seek to ensure that artists receive fair compensation for their work. It is hoped that this would set a precedent for the protection of intellectual property rights and the welfare of artists in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
