Oriyomi Hamzat lifts ban on Naira Marley’s songs on his radio station, explains past decision

Popular broadcaster, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, has officially lifted the ban on Naira Marley’s songs at his radio station, Agidigbo FM.

Hamzat explained that when singer Mohbad died, many Nigerians pointed fingers at Naira Marley. Out of respect for the ongoing investigation, he instructed that Marley’s songs should not be played on the station.

He admitted it was a difficult decision because he personally enjoys Naira Marley’s music, especially the hit “Tesumole.” However, he stressed that the ban was never an accusation against the artist. Hamzat clarified:

“When Mohbad dled, a lot of Nigerians thought it was Naira Marley that k!lled him. I also made an announcement then that my station must not play any Naira Marley’s song again.

I wasn’t happy when I made that announcement because Naira is one singer I love so much especially his song ‘Tesumole’ but I had to do it because of the investigation that was ongoing even though not playing his song does not mean he will not achieve whatever he wants to achieve in life and I never at any point said he k!lled Mohbad. Naira has never offended me neither am I fighting him.”

With the investigations now behind, Hamzat declared that from today, Naira Marley’s songs are once again welcome on Agidigbo FM’s airwaves. He stated:

“I hereby declare that from today onward, Naira Marley’s songs can be played on AGIDIGBO FM.”

He ended his statement with a prayer: “May Mohbad’s soul rest in peace.”

Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, tragically passed away on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances that sparked nationwide outcry, protests, and calls for justice. He was 27 years old.

Since Mohbad’s passing, the case has been riddled with inconsistencies. Though the Lagos State Police Command exhumed his body and conducted a toxicology test in the U.S., the results which were released in May 2024, were deemed inconclusive.

Mohbad, who had left Marlian Music in 2022, had made multiple complaints of harassment, non-payment, and assault prior to his death. Videos of him being attacked circulated online just weeks before the tragic event, prompting nationwide protests and the viral hashtag #JusticeForMohbad.