Yesterday, the Nigerian House of Representatives addressed the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to safeguard the intellectual property rights of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, including his songs and lyrics.
This call was made during a plenary session in Abuja by Rep. Babajimi Benson. According to The PUNCH, Benson highlighted how Mohbad’s sudden death on September 12th had sparked protests among his fans.
He stated that the youth have been chanting his name and demanding an investigation, culminating in a tribute concert attended by various musicians. According to him, it is clear that Mohbad’s fans are struggling to accept his untimely death.
He described Mohbad, also popularly called Imole (Light) as a promoter of peace and positivity through his music.
Benson emphasized that Mohbad’s departure from Marlian Records, owned by Naira Marley, in 2022 was due to several grievances, including unpaid royalties. According to him, the situation reflects a more prominent issue regarding artists who face difficulties in asserting their rights.
According to him, artistes often find themselves trapped through exploitative contracts and face intimidation when they try to terminate such agreements
He said Mohbad’s case is not an isolated incident, as many artists in the country find themselves in similar situations.
According to Benson, the lack of creative freedom and financial growth for artists can lead to disputes and even violence.
Benson expressed concern that most of the late artiste’s earnings were going to Marlian Music Group and that there had been no effort to protect his estate, despite being a globally recognized digital artiste.
The House paid tribute to Mohbad and emphasized the need to protect the rights of young artists who have contracts with record labels. They called for close monitoring of the investigation into Mohbad’s death, particularly regarding allegations of harassment and unpaid royalties.
The House also urged the NCC to collaborate with record labels, artists, legal experts, and industry associations to establish and enforce industry-wide guidelines.
The guidelines should guarantee fair treatment, transparent contracts, and adequate compensation for artists. They should also assess Nigeria’s current copyright and contract laws to identify areas that require reform.
Additionally, the House has tasked its Committee on Justice and Legislative Compliance to ensure that these guidelines are followed.