Two radio stations in Nigeria, Splash FM 105.5 in Ibadan, Oyo state and Fresh FM 106.9 FM, Ado in Ekiti state have banned songs by popular singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley. The ban was announced on Monday and Tuesday respectively and took effect immediately.
The ban comes amid criticism of Marley following the death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji, popularly known as MohBad, last week. The cause of death is still under investigation.
In a statement announcing the ban, Splash FM 105.5 Ibadan, disclosed via X that Marley’s songs have been placed on “Not to Be Broadcast” on the radio frequency by the station’s management.
The post read, “Good evening team. In view of the sensitive nature around the death of Mohbad and the criminal procedure, the police have commenced, I will urge us all to exercise discretion.
“To this effect, Naira Marley’s songs have become NTBB (not to be broadcast) on our station till further notice. This is with immediate effect. Thank you.”
In an instagram post (@freshfm1069adoekiti) signed by Fresh FM’s Head of production and Music Content, Oluwaseunfunmi Williams, on Tuesday morning, the station wrote:
“Following the public outcry from the general public trialing the death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (Mohbad), the alleged victimisation from different videos going viral and the involvement of members of his previous record label (Marlian records), fresh 106.9 fm has suspended the airplay of all songs and contents under the banner of Marlian Records.”
The ban on Naira Marley’s songs has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some people have supported the decision, saying that it is necessary to protect young people from Marley’s music, which they argue is harmful and promotes drug use and crime.
Others have criticized the ban, saying that it is an infringement on Marley’s freedom of expression and his fans’ right to listen to his music.
Naira Marley has not yet commented on the ban. However, his fans have taken to social media to defend him, saying that he is innocent until proven guilty. They have also accused the radio stations of censorship and hypocrisy.