By Adedapo Adesanya
The House of Representatives has summoned controversial singer, Mr Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, to appear before it as part of moves to secure proper compensation and royalties for late singer, Mr Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad) for his musical works.
The deceased died on September 12 at the age of 27 over unclear circumstances. Following his death, documented history from the singer showed he had historically been threatened and suffered violence after his split from Mr Fashola’s Marlian Music last year. This sparked outrage, leading to government and security agencies’ involvement.
Through its Committee on Justice, Youth, and Legislative Compliance, the House also invited the manager of the late singer, Mr Jiggy Adeoye, to an interactive session slated for Tuesday, October 31.
The House had resolved to wade into the matter following the adoption of a motion moved by Mr Babajimi Benson as he called for a review of relevant laws guiding the entertainment industry as well as copyright laws while expressing concerns about the contracts and agreements that entertainers are compelled to sign
During the debate on the matter at the plenary session on Thursday, the lawmakers also assured the family of Mohbad of its commitment to secure proper compensation and royalties from his musical works.
The House further resolved to monitor the investigation surrounding his death and royalties accruing to him.
In a letter dated October 26, 2023, signed by the Committee’s Clark, Mr Yusuf Ibrahim, the House said both Naira Marley and Mohbad’s manager were needed to guide the committee on further legislative action.
The letter was routed through the President, Performing Musicians Associations of Nigeria (PMAN).
“The House Committee on Justice, Youth and Legislative Compliance invites you and the legal team of MOHBAD for an interactive meeting session as regards a referral received being a resolution of the House of Representatives during their plenary session on Tuesday 26th September 2023 with respect to the circumstances surrounding the royalties and other benefits of Mohbad and to ascertain the level of your interaction with other relevant copyright organizations, such information will guide the committee on further legislative action,” the letter partly read.
“In view of the above, you are kindly invited for an interactive session with the chairman, the Committee on Justice, Youth and Legislative Compliance scheduled as follows; Tuesday 31st October 2023 at 2:30 pm,” it added.
