Nigerian singer and record label executive, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has come under heavy criticism for leaking a private chat between him and Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo in connection to the controversies surrounding the tragic death of late singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad.
The chat, which surfaced online, has sparked outrage among fans and social media users, with many accusing Naira Marley of attempting to manipulate public opinion and absolve himself of any wrongdoing. The development has further fueled the controversy surrounding Mohbad’s sudden demise and the role of his former record label, Marlian Music.
The Leaked Conversation: What Happened?
On February 3, 2025, Naira Marley shared screenshots of a conversation he had with Iyabo Ojo before Mohbad’s death. In the chat, he appeared to be discussing issues related to the late singer, his alleged troubles, and attempts to resolve them before things escalated.
Iyabo Ojo, a well-known actress and activist, has been vocal about seeking justice for Mohbad since his passing in September 2023. She has consistently called for accountability from those who were in the singer’s circle, particularly Naira Marley and his associates.
However, the release of the private conversation did not sit well with the public. Many perceived it as an attempt to shift the narrative and gain sympathy, especially given the heated accusations that have followed Mohbad’s death.
Public Outrage and Reactions
As soon as the chat was leaked, social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, erupted with reactions. The backlash against Naira Marley was swift and intense. Many users accused him of being insensitive and trying to control the public perception of his involvement in Mohbad’s struggles.
One user wrote:
“Leaking private conversations doesn’t clear your name. It only makes you look more guilty. Why now? Why not before Mohbad’s death?”
Another commented:
“If you were really trying to help Mohbad, why didn’t you make this conversation public earlier? Now you are just playing the victim card.”
Some also pointed out that the chat did not change the fact that Mohbad had accused Marlian Music of bullying and mistreatment before his passing. They argued that Naira Marley’s actions seemed like damage control rather than a genuine attempt to address the issue.
Iyabo Ojo’s Response
Iyabo Ojo, known for her fearless stance on social justice issues, responded to the leaked chat with strong words. She condemned Naira Marley’s actions, stating that leaking their private conversation was an act of desperation.
In a live Instagram session, she said:
“I don’t understand why Naira Marley thinks leaking our chat will change anything. The focus should be on getting justice for Mohbad, not trying to manipulate narratives. If you truly had good intentions, we wouldn’t be here today.”
She also reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that those responsible for Mohbad’s alleged suffering and untimely death are held accountable, regardless of the attempts to twist the story.
Background: The Mohbad Controversy
Mohbad, a former signee of Marlian Music, had repeatedly voiced concerns about his safety and well-being before his death. Videos and voice notes that surfaced online suggested that he was being harassed and mistreated after leaving the label.
His sudden death in September 2023 led to nationwide protests and demands for a thorough investigation. Many Nigerians suspected foul play, with Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry, being at the center of public scrutiny.
The Lagos State Police Command later exhumed Mohbad’s body for an autopsy to determine the cause of death, but as of early 2025, the final report has not been made public.
Despite Naira Marley and Sam Larry both denying any wrongdoing, their reputations have suffered significantly due to public perception and the overwhelming evidence of Mohbad’s troubled past.
Why Naira Marley’s Move Backfired
Many believe that leaking his chat with Iyabo Ojo was a poorly calculated move by Naira Marley. Here’s why:
- Timing: The fact that the chat was released months after Mohbad’s death raised suspicion. Critics questioned why Naira Marley waited until now to share it if it was truly meant to clear his name.
- Privacy Violation: Leaking private conversations without consent is generally seen as unethical. Many felt that this move was disrespectful and did nothing to address the real issues surrounding Mohbad’s case.
- Lack of Sympathy: Instead of gaining public sympathy, the move further alienated him from the people. Many Nigerians are still deeply hurt by Mohbad’s passing and unwilling to entertain any narrative that appears to downplay the tragedy.
- Distraction from Justice: Instead of contributing to ongoing investigations or clearing his name through legal means, Naira Marley’s actions were seen as a distraction from the real quest for justice.
What’s Next for Naira Marley?
With the growing backlash, Naira Marley now faces even more pressure to take accountability or prove his innocence in a more transparent way. Legal experts and industry observers believe that the leaked chat will not significantly impact any ongoing investigations, as law enforcement authorities will rely on concrete evidence rather than social media leaks.
Meanwhile, Mohbad’s family, fans, and supporters continue to demand answers regarding his mysterious death. Many are waiting for official reports from the police and autopsy results, which could shed more light on the circumstances surrounding his passing.
Conclusion
Naira Marley’s decision to leak his chat with Iyabo Ojo has backfired, with many seeing it as a desperate attempt to regain public trust. The controversy surrounding Mohbad’s death remains unresolved, and the demand for justice remains strong.
As Nigerians continue to push for accountability, it is clear that social media leaks and public relations strategies will not be enough to change the narrative. Only a thorough investigation and justice for Mohbad will bring closure to the matter.