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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives, yesterday, observed a minute’s silence in honour of late musician, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, also known as Mohbad, with a resolution to monitor ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The House, which also resolved to monitor investigation of alleged harassment of the late musician and his unpaid royalties, urged the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) to put measures in place immediately to protect the rights of his songs and lyrics.
It equally charged the copy rights commission to ensure proper management of Mohbad’s musical assets for the benefits of his son.
Furthermore, the Green chamber resolved to “collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including record labels, artists, legal experts, and industry associations, to develop and implement industry-wide guidelines that will ensure fair treatment and proper compensation for artists.”
This followed the adoption of a motion by Babajimi Benson, on “the need for justice, safeguarding the legacy of late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, a.k.a Mohbad, and protecting the rights of young promising artists in contracts with their record labels.”
Benson, in the motion, told the House that the death of Mohbad, “who tragically passed away under mysterious circumstances on September 12, has continued to make headlines and dominate discussions across and beyond the nation.”
He said: “Mohbad left his record label, Marlian Records, owned by Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley), in 2022, citing various grievances, including unpaid royalties. This issue is indicative of a broader problem in which artists encounter challenges asserting their rights.
“Evidence of mistreatment highlights the struggles of young artists who, in their quest for success, become entangled in parasitic contracts and face bullying when they seek to exit these agreements.”
The lawmaker added that “Mohbad’s case is not an isolated incident. Many artists in Nigeria find themselves ensnared in unfavourable contractual agreements, limiting their creative freedom and financial growth. This situation can lead to disputes and, at times, even violence.
“The Nigerian music industry lacks substantial institutional funding, pushing many artists into unscrupulous contracts with record labels. Addressing this issue is vital for the industry’s growth and sustainability.”
Benson added that it was disturbing that “most of the proceeds of the late artist are still going to the Marlian Music Group, and there have been no moves from any agency to protect the Estate of the late singer, who is currently the 46th best-selling digital artiste in the world.”
