In a significant turn of events, radio stations across Nigeria, including Splash 105.5 FM in Oyo State’s capital, have begun implementing a ban on songs from Marlian Records, owned by the controversial figure Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley. This move comes amidst ongoing controversies surrounding the record label and its owner.
Splash 105.5 FM, a prominent radio station in Oyo State, made its stance public through a Twitter post by one of its presenters, Aderonke Adesola. According to Adesola, the station’s management has taken the drastic step of placing an indefinite ban on Naira Marley’s music due to the sensitive nature of events surrounding the tragic death of Mohbad, a former signee of Marlian Records.
Adesola’s tweet read: “Good evening team. In view of the sensitive nature around the death of Mohbad and the criminal procedure, the police have commenced, I will urge us all to exercise discretion. To this effect, Naira Marley’s songs have become NTBB (not to be broadcast) on our station till further notice. This is with immediate effect. Thank you.”
Naira Marley, who parted ways with MohBad in 2022, has been accused of involvement in the death of his former signee, an allegation that he vehemently denied in a recent statement.
The ban on Marlian Records’ music is not limited to Oyo State alone. In Ekiti State, several private radio stations have also taken a stand against the record label and its associated artists.
Fresh FM 106.9 in Ado-Ekiti, Voice FM 89.9 (also in Ado-Ekiti), and NewCruse 92.6 FM in Ikere-Ekiti have all joined the movement to boycott Marlian Records. These radio stations made their decisions known through their official social media accounts.
Fresh FM’s statement on Instagram, authored by Oluwasefunmi Williams, said: “Following the public outcry from the general public regarding the death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (Mohbad), the alleged victimization from different videos going viral, and the involvement of members of his previous record label (Marlian Records), Fresh 106.9 FM has suspended the airplay of all songs and contents under the banner of Marlian Records.”
Speaking on behalf of Voice FM, Manager News Fortune Omosola stated, “We have decided to suspend further usage of Marlian artists on our airwaves.”
The Station Manager of NewCruse FM, Joshua Adegbite, also confirmed, “Songs from the stable of Marlian Records have been banned here until further notice.”
As the controversy surrounding Marlian Records continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this ban on Naira Marley’s music will impact his career and the broader music industry in Nigeria.
