Entertainment

Iyabo Ojo Fires Back After Naira Marley Leaks Private Chats

Iyabo Ojo Fires Back After Naira Marley Leaks Private Chats
  • PublishedFebruary 4, 2025

Nigerian film actress and director, Iyabo Ojo, has reacted after singer Naira Marley shared private messages from their past conversations, reigniting their ongoing feud.

The singer had posted the chats on his Instagram Story, on Monday, sparking mixed reactions online.

One of the chats showed Iyabo inviting him to her late mother’s remembrance party.

Another revealed her asking for his assistance in helping her adopted son, who was pursuing a music career.

Many speculated that his decision to leak the messages was an attempt to discredit Iyabo Ojo, who had been one of his most vocal critics following the controversial death of his former signee, Mohbad.

Reacting on Instagram, Iyabo Ojo reposted the leaked screenshots and dismissed the move as an attempt to silence her.

She maintained that she had always supported young artistes and insisted that her criticism of Naira Marley was based on his failure to address allegations of bullying against Mohbad, not personal grievances.

She wrote, β€œAs a TikTok sensation, I’ve promoted several artists’ songs, including Naira Marley’s. In 2020, I promoted his song after his team reached out to me through my son Festus. He thanked me via DM, and I later invited him to my movie premiere and my mother’s burial party.

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β€œI have always supported young artists, helping them in different waysβ€”whether by promoting their music, allowing them to use my lounge for shows, or introducing them to producers like Naira Marley. For instance, Fabian was signed by Naira Marley but left due to personal reasons, while my nephew’s music style didn’t fit his label.

β€œHowever, when disturbing videos surfaced and petitions alleged that Sam Larry, Naira Marley’s associate, bullied Mohbadβ€”a young artist who later diedβ€”I questioned Naira Marley’s silence. I never accused him of killing Mohbad, but evidence showed that Mohbad was under threat.

β€œMy issue with Naira Marley is his failure to speak out against the bullying of Mohbad. I have also been made aware of other serious allegations against him, and if necessary, these will be addressed in court.

β€œI engage with many celebrities in my DMs, but I won’t ignore injustice. If Naira Marley thought our past conversations would silence me, he was mistaken.”

Iyabo Ojo was a leading figure in the #JusticeForMohbad movement, which gained momentum after the singer’s death in September 2023.

She, along with actress Tonto Dikeh, had called for the arrest of Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry, accusing them of contributing to Mohbad’s struggles.

In December 2023, Naira Marley sued Iyabo for alleged defamation, claiming she made false accusations that implied he had a role in Mohbad’s distress.