In a fresh wave of controversy within the Nigerian entertainment industry, popular singer Azeez Fashola, widely known as Naira Marley, has shared a series of old messages exchanged between himself and Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo. This revelation has sparked heated discussions on social media, especially given the history of tension between the two.
The shared messages, which date back to 2021, show that Iyabo Ojo had at various times reached out to Naira Marley, inviting him to her events and seeking his assistance for her adopted son’s music career. The conversations, which were posted on Naira Marley’s Instagram Story on February 3, 2025, have since gone viral, with netizens dissecting every detail.
Content of the Leaked Chats
Naira Marley’s decision to expose his private conversations with Iyabo Ojo was apparently a move to counter her recent claims that she had never met or interacted with him before. In the leaked chats, Iyabo Ojo can be seen addressing Naira Marley with affectionate terms like “Dear,” while inviting him to a remembrance party for her late mother. Additionally, she sought his support in promoting her adopted son’s budding music career, indicating that she held him in high regard at the time.
These messages have led many to question Iyabo Ojo’s sincerity, especially considering her recent public attacks against Naira Marley. The actress has been a vocal critic of the singer, particularly following the death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Public Reactions and Mixed Opinions
The release of these private conversations has divided opinions among fans and industry observers. Many took to social media to express their views, with some accusing Iyabo Ojo of hypocrisy, while others defended her, arguing that past interactions do not necessarily invalidate her present stance.
Here are some of the reactions from netizens:
- “So Iyabo Ojo was cool with Naira Marley before, but now she’s acting like she never knew him? This is suspicious!”
- “Once you don’t give some people attention, they become your enemies. Looks like she was really trying to be in his good books.”
- “Iyabo Ojo wanted something from Naira Marley in the past, and when she didn’t get it, she turned against him. That’s what I see here.”
- “This is why you should always keep your chats. People can easily switch sides and pretend they were never close to you.”
Despite these opinions, some of Iyabo Ojo’s supporters have argued that her past cordial relationship with Naira Marley does not mean she cannot call him out for alleged wrongdoings in the present. They maintain that her recent activism for justice in Mohbad’s case is valid, regardless of her past association with the singer.
Background of the Conflict
The ongoing feud between Naira Marley and Iyabo Ojo can be traced back to the controversial death of Mohbad, which occurred in September 2023. Following the tragedy, Naira Marley faced accusations of having a hand in the young musician’s troubles, with many believing that he contributed to Mohbad’s struggles, both mentally and professionally.
Iyabo Ojo was one of the celebrities who actively called for justice for Mohbad, aligning herself with the late singer’s family and fans in demanding a thorough investigation. She openly criticized Naira Marley, insinuating that he had questions to answer regarding Mohbad’s sudden demise.
In response, Naira Marley denied all allegations, stating that he had no involvement in Mohbad’s passing. However, the backlash against him was severe, leading him to temporarily deactivate his social media accounts and retreat from public appearances.
Legal Battle Between Iyabo Ojo and Naira Marley
The tension between the two escalated further when Naira Marley filed a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit against Iyabo Ojo, claiming that her statements had severely damaged his reputation and business interests. The actress, however, dismissed the lawsuit, arguing that it was a baseless attempt to silence her advocacy for justice.
Iyabo Ojo also countered by stating that she was not properly served with the lawsuit and questioned the legitimacy of the claims made against her. This legal battle remains unresolved, with both parties standing firm in their positions.
Iyabo Ojo’s Past Statements and Contradictions
One of the most controversial aspects of this unfolding drama is Iyabo Ojo’s past claim that she had never met or interacted with Naira Marley. During a January 2025 interview on the talk show Talk to B, she revealed that she had suffered traumatic experiences in her life, including being a victim of sexual violence five times.
During the same interview, she stated:
“I have never met Naira Marley before in my entire life.”
This assertion is now being questioned, given the release of her past chats with Naira Marley. While some believe she may have meant that they had never met physically, others argue that her statement was misleading, considering the conversations they had online.
Ethical Concerns: Is It Right to Leak Private Chats?
While the contents of the leaked chats have become a major talking point, another question that has arisen is whether it was ethical for Naira Marley to release private messages without Iyabo Ojo’s consent. In the age of social media, exposing personal conversations has become a common tactic for public figures trying to defend themselves, but it also raises concerns about privacy violations.
Some have condemned Naira Marley’s action, stating that no matter the circumstances, leaking private messages is a breach of trust and could set a dangerous precedent. Others argue that given the way Iyabo Ojo had attacked him publicly, he had every right to defend himself with evidence.
What Happens Next?
As of now, neither Naira Marley nor Iyabo Ojo has made any official statement addressing the leaked chats directly. However, social media is buzzing with speculation on how the actress will respond.
Some possible outcomes of this situation include:
- Iyabo Ojo issuing a statement – She might clarify the context of the chats and defend her past interactions with Naira Marley.
- Further legal actions – If Iyabo Ojo feels that her privacy has been violated, she might take legal steps against Naira Marley for releasing private messages.
- More revelations from both parties – It’s possible that more private exchanges could surface as both celebrities try to prove their side of the story.
Conclusion
The release of old conversations between Naira Marley and Iyabo Ojo has added another twist to an already heated feud. While some believe this revelation exposes hypocrisy on Iyabo Ojo’s part, others maintain that it does not change the fact that she has a right to demand justice for Mohbad.
Regardless of where public opinion leans, one thing is clear: this controversy is far from over. With legal battles still pending and social media debates raging, the drama between Naira Marley and Iyabo Ojo will likely continue to dominate headlines in the coming weeks.