In a significant development, the House of Representatives has issued a summons to renowned Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, and Jiggy Adeoye, the manager of the late artist Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad.
The summons comes in the wake of concerns regarding the royalties and compensation for the late artist, who tragically passed away at the age of 27 under unclear circumstances on Thursday, September 12.
The Lagos State Government had previously ordered a coroner’s inquest into the untimely demise of Mohbad, a former signee of Naira Marley’s record label. The House of Representatives, through its Committee on Justice, Youth, and Legislative Compliance, has now taken an active interest in the matter.
The decision to summon Naira Marley and Mohbad’s manager was instigated by a motion brought forward by Representative Babajimi Benson, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Lagos. Rep. Benson called for a comprehensive review of the laws pertaining to the entertainment industry and copyright.
He expressed deep concerns over the contracts and agreements that artists are often required to sign, highlighting the need for better protection of artists’ rights and earnings.
The matter was extensively debated during a plenary session held on September 26th. During the discussions, lawmakers voiced their unwavering commitment to ensuring that Mohbad’s musical works receive proper compensation and royalties. Furthermore, they pledged to closely monitor the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the artist’s tragic demise and the royalties due to him.
This latest development underscores the House of Representatives’ commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of artists in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The summoned parties are expected to appear before the House on October 31, and their testimonies will be a crucial step toward resolving the issues surrounding Mohbad’s royalties and the broader concerns raised about the industry’s legal framework.
