One year ago, on September 12, 2023, Nigeria was shaken by the sudden and tragic death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, better known as Mohbad. The street pop sensation, at just 27, had become a beloved figure in Nigerian music, giving hope and voice to a generation. But his death has left an indelible mark, not just for the loss of his talent but for the disturbing cloud of uncertainty that still hangs over the circumstances surrounding it.
The nation grieved for Mohbad—not only because of his contributions to the music industry, but because his death felt unjust, sudden, and preventable. His fans and the wider public were left grappling with the question, What truly happened to Mohbad? A year later, this question still haunts us. Justice, like a shadow, remains elusive.
A Hasty Goodbye: Questions Still Unanswered
Mohbad’s death, as revealed by authorities in 2023, followed an incident where a quack nurse administered a cocktail of drugs that caused a violent reaction. It was a sequence of events that seemed improbable: convulsions, vomiting, and ultimately, his passing. His hurried burial in Ikorodu just a day after his death stunned many. How could a star of his magnitude be laid to rest so quickly, without the due process that is customary for public figures?
Mohbad’s father explained that the quick burial was because of his youth, but this explanation didn’t satisfy the public. His fans deserved—and still deserve—more transparency. The decision to bury him so hastily only fueled speculation, leaving us wondering what was being hidden. After all, this was no ordinary young man. He was a cultural icon in the making, and his fans demanded the same care and attention in his death that they showered on him in life.
Legal Battles and the Dark Cloud of Abuse
As we reflect on Mohbad’s legacy, it’s impossible to ignore the role his previous record label, headed by Naira Marley, played in his tumultuous journey. In the years leading up to his death, it became clear that Mohbad faced more than just the pressures of stardom. Videos surfaced of the harassment and abuse he allegedly endured at the hands of Sam Larry, a music promoter closely associated with Naira Marley.
Perhaps the most damning evidence was a video Mohbad himself made, in which he tearfully stated that Naira Marley should be held responsible if anything happened to him. In any civil society, such a statement would have triggered immediate concern and investigation. Yet, even with these cries for help, justice for Mohbad remains stalled. Naira Marley and Sam Larry, who initially fled the country, have since returned and participated in the investigation. However, the slow pace of justice and the continued uncertainty feel like a betrayal to those who admired Mohbad.
An Inconclusive Autopsy, But Not an Inconclusive Grief
In May 2024, Nigerians were delivered a devastating blow: Mohbad’s cause of death could not be conclusively determined. The autopsy conducted long after his death, found that his body was too decomposed to pinpoint what killed him. This was the final slap in the face for his family and fans who had fought tirelessly for the truth. An inconclusive autopsy? After all the outcry, all the petitions, all the waiting? It is hard not to feel as though there has been a deliberate effort to obscure the truth.
His father’s pain is a reflection of our collective agony. He has spoken out about the possibility of a cover-up and shared his disappointment in the system that promised him and the public justice, only to deliver silence and ambiguity. For a country where accountability is often a foreign concept, the lack of transparency in Mohbad’s case is, tragically, unsurprising.
The Battle Over His Legacy
In the aftermath of his death, further controversy arose over a DNA test for his son, Liam. Instead of allowing the family to grieve in peace, public disputes emerged over paternity, driven by a legal battle between Mohbad’s widow and his father. While this sordid drama unfolded, it became clear that Mohbad’s legacy was at risk of being tarnished by internal family conflict and external forces seeking to control his narrative.
But beyond the legal wrangling and family disputes, one thing is undeniable: Mohbad’s impact on Nigerian music and culture remains strong. His fans, loyal as ever, organized a fitting tribute—a candlelight procession and concert that saw hundreds gather to honor his memory. It was a moment of unity and remembrance, a stark contrast to the chaos and confusion surrounding the investigation into his death.
One Year Later, Justice Delayed is Justice Denied
As we mark the first anniversary of Mohbad’s passing, the wounds remain fresh. The silence from authorities and the inconclusiveness of the investigation feel like an insult to a star who gave so much to his craft and his country. Justice has not been served, and until it is, we cannot claim to truly honor Mohbad’s legacy.
Mohbad was more than just a musician—he was a voice for the voiceless. The least we can do for him is to continue raising ours, demanding justice for a life cut too short. His death is not just a tragedy for his family or fans, but a national tragedy—a reflection of a system that all too often fails those who need it most.
READ ALSO: MohBad and The Posthumous Fame Paradox
Until we have answers, Mohbad’s death will continue to be a symbol of everything wrong with our pursuit of justice. And until we find those answers, his memory will remain a rallying cry for truth in a society desperate for it.
- By Ken Gbados
- Source: Pulse.ng
