Reps move to protect Mohbad’s royalties, music rights, observe minute of silence

The House of Representatives has summoned the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) to develop means to protect the music rights of late singer, 
Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad.
This resolution was a sequel to a motion of urgent public importance moved by Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), on Tuesday.
Moving the motion, Mr Benson said young people in Nigeria are still seeking to know the cause of the death of the superstar.
He explained that the lawmakers need to monitor the ongoing investigation in order to protect the legacy of the late music star.
Mohbad left his record label, Marlian Records, owned by Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley), in 2022, citing various grievances, including unpaid royalties. This issue is indicative of a broader problem in which artists encounter challenges asserting their rights.
“Most of the proceeds of the late artist are still going to the Marlian Music Group, and there have been no moves from any agency to protect the Estate of the late singer who is currently the 46th best-selling digital artiste in the world,” he said.
Mr Benson stated further that there is a need for urgent action to save other music artists in Nigeria from predatory record labels…
The House directed the Committees on Justice and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
A minute silence was observed by the House in honour of Mohbad after the motion was unanimously adopted when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put it to vote.