HEADLINE | Posted: Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Iyabo Ojo claps back after Naira Marley leaks private chats


Iyabo Ojo (L) and Naira Marley (R)

Actress Iyabo Ojo has responded after singer Naira Marley shared screenshots of their past conversations on social media.

Naira Marley posted the messages, which date back to 2021 and 2022, on his Instagram Story on Monday. In the chats, Iyabo invited him to several events, including a memorial party for her late mother, and sought his help in promoting the music career of her adopted son and nephew.

“Hello dear, I really want you to help me with one of my nephews. I want him to come see you so you can help me listen to his music and see if it’s something I can invest in,” she wrote.

Naira Marley replied, “Okay can he come asap? When can he come?? So sorry for this late reply.”

The singer did not explain why he decided to share the private conversations.

Reacting on Instagram on Monday, Iyabo reposted the screenshots and issued a lengthy response, making it clear that she has always supported young artistes.

She wrote. “As 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.

“I have always supported young artists, helping them in different ways—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.

“However, when disturbing videos surfaced and petitions alleged that Sam Larry, Naira Marley’s associate, bullied Mohbad—a young artist who later died—I questioned Naira Marley’s silence. I never accused him of killing Mohbad, but evidence showed that Mohbad was under threat.

“My 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.

“I 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 vocal critic of Naira Marley following the controversial death of former Marlian Music signee Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, in September 2023. She accused the singer of playing a role in the late artiste’s struggles.

In December 2023, Naira Marley sued Iyabo for alleged defamation, claiming she made false accusations linking him to Mohbad’s troubles. His lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, argued that Iyabo’s social media posts implied the singer had both spiritual and physical influence over Mohbad, causing him mental distress.

Iyabo responded by filing a counter-lawsuit against the rapper, escalating the legal battle between the two public figures.

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