Agidigbo FM, one of Ibadan’s most popular radio stations, has announced that it will once again play songs from Marlian Records, the label owned by Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley.
The decision was made public by the station’s founder and owner, Oriyomi Hamzat, during a live broadcast earlier this week.
Hamzat explained that the ban, which lasted for more than a year, was never a personal attack on the singer. Instead, it was a response to public pressure following the controversial death of fast-rising star Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly called Mohbad.
In September 2023, the music industry in Nigeria was thrown into shock after Mohbad’s sudden death sparked protests, debates, and calls for justice. Fans across the country accused several individuals of playing a role in his death, and Naira Marley’s name appeared repeatedly in public discussions and online campaigns.
Agidigbo FM responded by halting the airplay of all Marlian Records songs. Hamzat said the station took this action because of the ongoing police investigation and because many listeners had demanded that the singer’s music be removed from the airwaves until the matter was clarified.
“Back then, so many people were accused of Mohbad’s death, and Naira Marley was part of them,” Hamzat recalled during his broadcast. “Because of the investigation, we were asked to stop airing his songs.”
Read Also: I have been broken, not destroyed – Naira Marley breaks silence on Mohbad
More than a year later, Agidigbo FM has decided to reverse its position. Hamzat stressed that the station had achieved nothing by enforcing the ban, as it did not stop Naira Marley’s career or financial success. He pointed out that removing his music from Agidigbo’s playlist did not reduce the singer’s popularity or earnings.
“We’ve not made any impact in this matter,” Hamzat admitted. “The fact that we don’t play his songs doesn’t stop him from making money.”
He added that some members of the public had even asked him to apologise to Naira Marley, a request he dismissed as unnecessary since he has no personal quarrel with the singer.
“Did Naira Marley tell you that I have issues with him?” Hamzat asked rhetorically. “If it’s for his music, we’ll start playing them.”
Hamzat was quick to clarify that his decision had never been about personal dislike or enmity. Instead, he described it as a reaction to the tense atmosphere that surrounded Mohbad’s death and the accusations that followed.
“It is whoever you have issues with that you tell, ‘don’t be annoyed by the words I said,’” he explained. “I have no fight with Naira Marley. This was about the situation at that time.”
The announcement has already triggered conversations among music fans and social media users. Some listeners welcomed the return of Naira Marley’s songs, describing it as a sign that the controversy surrounding Mohbad’s death may be easing. Others, however, argued that the timing could reopen old wounds, as many Nigerians still demand justice for Mohbad.
For now, Agidigbo FM has made its position clear. Listeners tuning in to the Ibadan-based station should expect to start hearing Marlian Records songs on rotation again.
The development highlights the influence that public opinion holds over the Nigerian entertainment industry. Radio stations, TV networks, and streaming platforms often adjust their content based on the mood of the audience.
In this case, Agidigbo FM’s original ban reflected the anger and grief of fans mourning Mohbad. The decision to lift it now reflects a shift toward moving on, at least in terms of music consumption.
While Naira Marley continues to face scrutiny from sections of the public, the move by Agidigbo FM shows that some media houses are ready to separate ongoing controversies from artistic expression.
For Hamzat, the matter is simple. The station acted when emotions were high, and now it is acting again as those emotions settle. “If it’s for his music, we’ll start playing them,” he repeated.
With that, Agidigbo FM has officially ended one of the longest-running radio bans in recent Nigerian music history.
Read Also: Court clears Naira Marley, others in Mohbad’s death case
