By Ayodele Johnson

In silence, Marlian Records World owner, Azeez Fashola who is professionally known as Naira Marley has been taking in the bants aimed at him over the death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, but staying mute had to end eventually.

This happened via his Instagram on Tuesday, 26 September where he released a statement that hopefully clears him of many scars of guilt brought on by the public interest over Mohbad’s passing.

Many perceive the late singer’s demise to have resulted from bullying and malicious maltreatment by Naira Marley’s associates, but the latter is out to prove that this notion is wrong.

ALSO READ: Why Mohbad was hastily buried

“In the last few days, there has been a lot of onslaught on my person and reputation globally over the death of my former signee. All manner of stories have been woven against me in respect of his untimely death, I have not only been in shock over the death of the deceased whom I considered to be my brother and member of our music family, but over the various lies spread and threats against me.

“Before I progress further, let me say that as it is traumatic for a lot of people to bear the reality of Ileri’s death so it is to me. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear his loss.

“Permit me to categorically state that I have no hand in the death of Ilerioluwa, either directly or indirectly, it is not unusual in the industry, just like in several other industries to have family friction, even amongst blood relatives. Truly, we had our own share of misunderstandings whilst working together, but the disagreement between us was never to the extent being painted by some hirelings.”

ALSO READ: Naira Marley’s supporters attacking Ruggedman comes back to haunt him

Naira Marley who is currently not in Nigeria seems absolutely keen to return so as to help the police in their investigations.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Naira Marley (@nairamarley)

Admittedly, he has had past conflicts with Mohbad who left his record label in September 2022.

But all disputes, according to Naira Marley were handled civilly in a court of law although this narration strikes a conflict with past announcements by the late Mohbad.

“It never degenerated to the extent of wishing each other death. Even at that, we were resolving our business disputes legally before he had passed. I have chosen not to say anything since due to being distraught over his death and in order not to jeopardise the investigation being carried out by the government agencies.

“In addition, I have been out of the country since August 31, 2023, and I’m yet to return. In light of the police invitation, I am making arrangements to return to the country to assist in the investigation and give my version of the events. I am fully cooperating with the Police team and certainly have no reason to be a fugitive when I have no hand in his death.

“I am certain that the culprit behind his (death has) a vendetta against me and (is) fueling public opinions to have me lynched for reasons known to them. In due time the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death will be unveiled and the world will know the truth.

“This kind (of) scenario of attempting to set someone up is not novel in (the) industry as other great musicians have experienced the same and came out better and stronger. Mine will not be an exception as l am innocent of the accusations.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Naira Marley (@nairamarley)

And Naira Marley’s explanations go on. Further up to his alleged dealings with drugs, which he claims are untrue.

ALSO READ: Police exhume Mohbad’s corpse, next is the autopsy

What matters to him now is staying patient up to the moment when he can prove his innocence against backlash. Sentiments over Mohbad’s death have caused Naira Marley to lose substantial social media followers who still measure up to several million despite the losses.

On the sidelines, there are also talks in the show promotion circle that could cancel him from future performances which would have made him more money. The road ahead looks rough, but the singer pictures himself strapped up for the battle.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.