Mohbad: Who Made You a Judge?

By Taiwo Abiodun-Oni

In the hallowed echoes of our past, there’s a cautionary saying that rings through the ages: Dead men tell no tales. Yet, in the wake of grief and shock, tales are spun, narratives are formed, and judgments are passed, often without a pause, a moment’s reflection, or a quest for the whole truth.

Tragically, the sudden death of the Nigerian artist, Mohbad, a young talent whose melodies touched countless hearts, has sent shockwaves across the nation. As details surrounding his untimely death emerge, rumors have swirled, fingers have pointed, and conclusions have been hastily jumped to. In the eye of this storm is Naira Marley, Mohbad’s former record label boss, who, due to past differences, has become a convenient target for grief-stricken blame.

However, it is essential to emphasize the danger of such rushed judgments. Making accusations without substantial evidence or grounding can have severe repercussions not only on the accused but on our society’s collective conscience.

The events leading to Mohbad’s tragic end, as reported by many sources first, suggest an unfortunate medical incident. The artist was admitted for treatment following an infection from an injury and was administered an injection or, so we were told. Tragically, moments later, he passed away. Yet, instead of focusing on the facts, whispers and conjectures have taken precedence, blurring lines between reality and fiction.

To assume guilt, to paint someone as a villain based on circumstantial evidence and past incidents, is not just unjust, but a violation of the principles of justice and humanity. We must remember that falsely accusing someone is not merely an act of misjudgment; it is a crime. An act that can permanently scar someone’s reputation, mental health, and life.

Every individual’s life is a complex tapestry woven of experiences, actions, intentions, and consequences. It is never black and white, and when events take an unfortunate turn, it is rarely due to a single thread coming undone. By scapegoating Naira Marley or any other individual without concrete evidence, we simplify a tragedy, we create a pantomime villain, and we dilute our understanding and empathy.

This is a poignant moment for introspection. Before casting stones, we must ask ourselves if we are acting out of grief, anger, or a genuine quest for justice. If it’s the former, we must remember the dangers of acting on emotion without insight. The implications of false accusations can be devastating, tearing apart lives, families, and communities.

In times of tragedy, it is more important than ever to hold onto our shared humanity. We must seek truth over sensation, understanding over blame, and compassion over judgment. For in the haunting silence that follows the loss of a life, there is more at stake than we might realize.

I am much more concerned about who owns legitimate claim to his catalogue of music recorded when he was at Marlian Records and after his record deal terminated.

Let those who want to honor Mohbad’s memory do so by rising above the noise, seeking clarity, and standing united in the face of grief. Because in the end, it is not just about the tales the dead cannot tell, but the stories we choose to weave in their absence.