In the wake of the untimely demise of Nigerian singer/rapper, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, a storm of controversy has engulfed the music industry, particularly centered around his former label boss, Naira Marley. Music enthusiasts and devoted fans of the late artist have not held back, openly issuing death threats towards Naira Marley.
Mohbad, who reportedly rose to fame under Naira Marley’s mentorship, encountered a tumultuous falling-out in 2022, marked by unsettling circumstances. During this period, the “Ponmo” crooner voiced concerns about threats to his life, with rumors circulating that Naira Marley’s associates may have played a role in harming him. The rift between the two musicians never seemed to heal, leaving some fans with lingering suspicions regarding Naira Marley’s potential involvement in Mohbad’s tragic passing.
Since the news of Mohbad’s death spread across social media, Naira Marley’s comment sections on various platforms have become inundated with death threats and hostile comments. Examples of these ominous messages include:
@khalidbrr on Instagram: “You will pay for this, I swear on my life. Your days are numbered. You’ll be joining Mohbad soon.”
Flor_divinaaa: “Naira, if you have any part in Mohbad’s demise, I pray for you. Your own children won’t live past 27. Your joy will turn to ashes. You will seek tears but find none…”
Pablo_ogba: “Starting today, I prophesy that Marlians will dwindle and never rise again @nairamarley. You and your crew won’t thrive, and expect your own demise soon.”
These are just a few examples among the multitude of open death threats and serious allegations against Naira Marley.
In contrast, today marked the funeral of the late singer in Ikorodu, Lagos, with the proceedings conducted in accordance with Islamic traditions. Numerous celebrities attended to pay their final respects. It was reported that Nigerian superstar singer, Davido, sent a generous contribution of N2 million to the late singer’s father to aid in the burial expenses.
In response to the mounting controversy, Naira Marley, the head of Marlian Records, briefly broke his silence by sharing a single heartbreak emoji on his Instagram stories. This subtle gesture was intended to convey his innocence and express his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Mohbad, as the public discussion surrounding their strained relationship intensified.
The exact details of the discord between Mohbad and Naira Marley remain elusive, leaving room for speculation. While some suspect that their disagreements may have played a role in Mohbad’s tragic fate, there is currently no concrete evidence to support these claims.
Nonetheless, the music community mourns, and the collective ire of fans appears to be directed squarely at the “Soapy” hitmaker, Naira Marley, as the controversy continues to unfold.