Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has responded to singer Naira Marley’s release of their private conversations, clarifying the nature of their relationship and addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding the late singer Mohbad.
The dispute began when Naira Marley shared screenshots of his past conversations with Iyabo Ojo, suggesting a closer relationship than she had previously acknowledged. These chats, dating back to 2021 and 2022, showed Ojo inviting Marley to her movie premiere and her late mother’s remembrance party. In one instance, she sought Marley’s assistance in promoting an adopted son who was pursuing a music career.
In a detailed Instagram post, Iyabo Ojo addressed the leaked chats, emphasizing that her interactions with Naira Marley were strictly professional and centered around promoting music artists. She explained that as a prominent figure on TikTok, she has collaborated with various artists to promote their songs, including Naira Marley. In 2020, after Marley’s team reached out through her son, Festus, she promoted one of his songs. Following this, Marley expressed his gratitude via direct message, leading to her inviting him to her movie premiere and her mother’s burial ceremony.
Ojo further elaborated on her support for emerging artists, noting that she has assisted many young musicians by allowing them to use her lounge for shows, promoting their songs on TikTok, or introducing them to music producers like Naira Marley. She cited examples such as an artist named Fabian, who was signed by Marley but later left due to personal reasons, and her nephew, whose music style didn’t align with Marley’s label.
The core of the dispute revolves around the tragic death of young artist Mohbad on September 12, 2023. Disturbing videos and petitions have surfaced, alleging that Sam Larry, a close associate of Naira Marley, bullied Mohbad. Iyabo Ojo has been vocal in seeking justice for Mohbad, questioning Naira Marley’s inaction regarding the alleged bullying. She clarified that while she never accused Marley of being directly responsible for Mohbad’s death, the evidence suggests that Mohbad’s life was threatened, and Marley’s failure to intervene is concerning.
Iyabo Ojo emphasized her commitment to justice, stating that she will not turn a blind eye to wrongdoing, even if it involves someone she knows personally. She interacts with many celebrities via direct messages and will not hesitate to speak out against injustice, regardless of past interactions. Addressing Naira Marley directly, she asserted that he was mistaken if he thought she would remain silent on the matter.
Naira Marley’s decision to leak the private chats has been met with criticism from the public. Many have accused him of attempting to discredit Iyabo Ojo and divert attention from the serious allegations surrounding Mohbad’s death. Critics argue that sharing private conversations from years ago does not address the core issues at hand and reflects poorly on Marley’s character.
The exchange between Iyabo Ojo and Naira Marley highlights the complexities of personal and professional relationships in the public eye. While Ojo maintains that her interactions with Marley were purely professional, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice for Mohbad. The situation underscores the importance of addressing allegations of bullying and ensuring accountability, regardless of personal connections.