House Invites NCC, Seeks To Protect Rights Of Mohbad

By Oduyemi Odumade

The House of Representatives has invited the Nigeria Copyright Commission, NCC, to protect the rights of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba, AKA Mohbad’s songs and lyrics.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Mr. Babajimi Benson from Lagos State at the resumed plenary in Abuja

Moving the motion, Benson, said that Mohbad tragically passed away under mysterious circumstances on Sept 12 and his name had continued to make headlines and dominate discussions across and beyond the nation.

According to the Lawmaker, Mohbad left his record label, Marlian Records, owned by Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley) in 2022, citing various grievances, including unpaid royalties.

Benson explained that Mohbad’s case was not an isolated one, as many artists in Nigeria found themselves ensnared in unfavorable contractual agreements.

This he noted has limited their creative freedom and financial growth, saying the situation can lead to disputes and at times, even violence.

“Nigerian music industry lacked substantial institutional funding, pushing many artists into unscrupulous contracts with record labels and addressing the issue was vital for the industry’s growth and sustainability.

The lawmaker said he was disturbed that most of the proceeds of the late artist were going to the Marlian Music Group.

He added that there had been no move from any agency to protect the estate of the late singer who was the 46th best-selling digital artiste in the world.

The House observed a minute of silence in honor of Mohbad and called for the protection of the rights of young promising artists in contracts with their record labels.

It also called for monitoring of the ongoing investigation into Mohbad’s death, particularly the allegations of harassment and unpaid royalties.

The House urged NCC to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including record labels, artists, legal experts, and industry associations, to develop and implement industry-wide guidelines.

The guidelines should ensure fair treatment, transparent contractual agreements, and proper compensation for artists, reviewing existing copyright and contract laws in Nigeria, and identifying gaps or areas in need of reform.

The House also mandated its Committee on Justice and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Edited By Grace Namiji