Oriyomi Hamzat Unreservedly Apologizes to Naira Marley, Revokes Song Ban
On August 19, 2025, Oriyomi Hamzat, the CEO of Agidigbo 88.7 FM in Ibadan, publicly issued an apology to Nigerian artist Naira Marley, announcing that the station would end its ban on his songs and resume regular airplay.
This marks a noteworthy shift from Hamzat’s original decision in 2024, when he pulled Naira Marley’s music from the station over allegations connecting him to the tragic passing of former signee Mohbad, who died in September 2023 at age 27.
Speaking on his program “Alabaromi”, Hamzat clarified that his ban was not rooted in personal animosity but was instead driven by a desire to honor life amid a sensitive situation. However, with the conclusion of legal proceedings and no evidence implicating Naira Marley in Mohbad’s death, Hamzat felt continuing the ban had become moot.
Hamzat explained, “I never said he committed murder or did anything illegal… he also never did us any wrong.” He emphasized that the decision had not affected Naira Marley’s career and that the station had always enjoyed the music, this reversal simply reflects reality.
During the live broadcast, Hamzat formally apologized, noting, “I am very sorry for all my provocative statements or words to Naira Marley… From today onward, I am raising the ban.” To underscore his sincerity, he immediately played Naira Marley’s hit track, “Tesumole.”
As of now, there hasn’t been a public response from Naira Marley himself regarding the apology or the lifting of the ban.
Meanwhile, Naira Marley has announced plans to address the Mohbad matter on the Marlian Music YouTube channel later today, though that statement was noted in the Premium Times story, not quoted verbatim.