Leaders, Nigerians Insist On Justice Over Musician’s Death

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has remarked that what Nigerians owe the deceased music star, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (Mohbad) is to ensure justice and urged police authorities to unravel the mysteries surrounding his death.

A statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said justice could only come through a thorough investigation of the circumstances leading to his death, as well as various revelations that came out thereafter.

This is just as some youths in Ondo state paralyzed commercial activities in the state capital, Akure, when they embarked on mourning protest over the death of the musician.

Governor Oyebanji spoke on Tuesday just as Ekiti youths plan to hold a procession in Ado-Ekiti, the State capital to mourn the late Singer and demand justice for him.

Describing Mohbad as a talented singer, who at 27 had already carved a niche for himself in the entertainment world with several hit songs to his credit, Governor Oyebanji said the death of the singer at the peak of his career and the circumstances surrounding it are highly regrettable.

While extending condolences to members of the late singer’s immediate and extended families, as well as his fans worldwide, the Ekiti State Governor urged the Nigeria Police to investigate the death and ensure that justice is done.

The Akure protest, tagged “Justice for Mohbad”, saw participants, mainly youths in black atires walking round major streets in the state capital.

They displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Say No to Marlian Music”,  “Justice for Mohbad”,  “We want a coroner’s inquest into Mohbad death”, amongst others.

The presence of security operatives comprising men of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) were also observed as the youths marched through NEPA, Arakale and Oba Adesida roads, causing heavy traffic girdlock.

One of the protesters, Ajulo Sunday said they are demanding that the person responsible for Mohbad’s death be held accountable.

“The untimely passing of Mohbad  has shed light on the numerous issues within the music industry. His death should serve as a warning to other music record labels that promote bad behavior.

“We want the police to deploy all forensic, technical and other vital assets that are relevant to the investigation of homicide cases of this nature towards supporting their investigation process because we want justice for Mohbad.”

Also, Awolumate Iremide, while noting that Mohbad had filed a police petition against Sam Larry and others after he was assaulted during a video shoot with Zlatan Ibile, wondered why nothing was done until his demise.