In a striking reversal of fortune, Oriyomi Hamzat, the respected founder and chairman of Agidigbo 88.7 FM in Ibadan, has publicly apologized to Nigerian singer Naira Marley (Azeez Fashola) and officially lifted a two-year ban on his music.
On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Hamzat took to the airwaves to express remorse for previously harsh remarks and the decision to suppress Marley’s tracks at the radio station . The ban, imposed from early 2024, followed public outcry after the tragic passing of Mohbad (Ilerioluwa Aloba) in September 2023—an incident that cast intense scrutiny on Marlian Records and its lead artist .
During the live broadcast, Hamzat conveyed heartfelt regret: “I am very sorry for all my provocative statements or words to Naira Marley… From today onward, I am raising the ban that was placed on the singer’s tracks at Agidigbo FM…” . As a symbolic gesture, he resumed airplay with Marley’s hit “Tesumole”, marking the music’s long-awaited return to the station’s playlist .
At the heart of this decision is a moment of introspection and accountability. Hamzat emphasized that the original ban was driven by public sentiment and ongoing investigations—not personal malice. He acknowledged that withholding Marley’s music “doesn’t stop him from making money”, reinforcing that the move was more symbolic than punitive .
Vindication in the public sphere: For many fans and critics of the initial ban, the apology marks a pivotal moment of redemption for Naira Marley—and a broader call for measured judgment in the heat of crises.
Media accountability: Hamzat’s reversal underscores the critical role media gatekeepers play—and how essential it is to balance public pressure with due diligence.
Cultural rebirth: The return of “Tesumole” isn’t just a single, symbolic track—it’s a testament to resilience and the enduring power of music to transcend controversy.
Event Ban on Naira Marley’s songs lifted; Hamzat issues public apology
When Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Where Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan
Why Ban imposed during Mohbad’s death controversy; now lifted as ban had limited impact and was based on public sentiment
Impact Sparks conversation around media responsibility, artist vindication, and healing in music community
In a candid moment, Oriyomi Hamzat of Agidigbo FM took a stand for fairness—apologizing to Naira Marley and restoring his music to the airwaves. After a ban that lasted over a year amidst a highly charged controversy, the move signals both personal accountability and a renewed focus on balanced journalism. The broadcast of “Tesumole” encapsulates a turning point in how media can influence—and heal public narratives.
0 Comments