Mohbad: Reps pledge to secure compensation, royalties

The House of Representatives has pledged to ensure that the late Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, receives proper compensation and royalties from his music.
Olumide Osoba, the Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, made the promise during an interactive session on the rights and royalties accruing from Mohbad’s music.
This was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance earlier moved by a member from Lagos state, Babajimi Benson, to secure the royalties of Mohbad’s songs.
According to him, the move will enable artists to sustain their careers, create new music, and build a future within the industry.
He, however, decried the current system which he said “often falls short” in adequately protecting and providing for young musicians with regard to their royalty rights.
“Many emerging artists face challenges when negotiating fair royalty agreements, particularly when dealing with major record labels, which often wield significant power and can impose unfavorable terms, resulting in artists receiving only a fraction of the royalties they deserve,” he complained.
To address these issues, he said, it is vital to work towards implementing “stronger regulations and support systems” within the industry.
He advocated for “more transparent and standardised contracts” for all artists, irrespective of their age or experience, “to level the playing field and prevent the exploitation of young talent”.
The Lawmaker also assured the public that the committee had in fact requested “all relevant information” regarding the circumstances of Mohbad’s death as well as the measures in place to secure his royalties and other benefits.
This, he added, has a deadline of next week for expediting action on the assignment.
The Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) also attended the session.
Reporting by Ibrahim Shehu;