In
the heart of Nigeria’s bustling music industry, Azeez Fashola, the renowned rapper and music executive known to the world as Naira Marley, found himself thrust into a storm of controversy. It was a chilling silence that had enveloped him for too long, as he grappled with a relentless onslaught of accusations following the tragic passing of his once-cherished protege, Mohbad.
Just a week ago, the Marlian Boss broke his silence with a resounding declaration. He vehemently asserted that he and Mohbad had unresolved issues that festered prior to the artist’s departure from his record label. Importantly, he made it undeniably clear that he bore no malice in his heart, harboring no sinister desires for Mohbad’s demise.
However, since that momentous statement, Naira Marley had chosen the path of silence, weathering an unceasing storm of accusations and fervent calls for his arrest. Celebrities and fans alike had pointed fingers, their suspicions cast upon him, insinuating that he might have played a role in Mohbad’s alleged assault and subsequent tragic passing.
But on the 26th of September, 2023, Naira Marley decided to break his silence once more, his voice emerging through the tumultuous clouds that had gathered over his reputation since the fateful day Mohbad left this world. He expressed profound astonishment at the multitude of baseless accusations and threats that had been hurled his way.
In no uncertain terms, Naira Marley set the record straight: he had no part, neither directly nor indirectly, in Mohbad’s untimely demise. While acknowledging past disagreements that had colored their working relationship, he clarified that these disputes had never escalated to the degree insinuated by some. They had, in fact, been in the process of legally resolving their business matters before Mohbad’s tragic end.
With a heavy heart and a desire to avoid obstructing ongoing investigations, Naira Marley confessed that his silence had been a refuge borne out of grief. He revealed that he had been out of the country since August 31, 2023, but was now ready to return, summoned by the police. He assured the public of his full cooperation with law enforcement, refuting any claims of being a fugitive when he was, in reality, entirely innocent.
Naira Marley hinted at the possibility that those responsible for Mohbad’s death might have a personal vendetta against him, manipulating public opinion in a sinister way. He pledged that the truth behind Mohbad’s passing would eventually come to light, likening his plight to the unfortunate history of musicians who had been unjustly framed within the industry.
The statement, released by Naira Marley, was a testament to his determination to set the record straight, to reclaim his tarnished reputation, and most importantly, to unravel the mysteries that shrouded the tragic loss of his protege, Mohbad. As the world watched and speculated, the truth remained hidden, waiting for its moment to emerge from the shadows.
The Statement reads;
“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 has 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 lleri’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 the irreparable loss. Permit me to categorically state that I have no hand in the death of llerioluwa, 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. 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 jeopardize the investigation being carried out by the government agencies In addition, I have been out of the country since the 31st of August, 2023 and I’m yet to return. In light of the police invitation, I am making arrangements to return to the country to assist the investigation and give my version of the events, I am fully cooperating with the Police team and I 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 and has a vendetta against me and are 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.”
