Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has responded to singer Naira Marley after he shared their private conversations from 2021 and 2022 on social media. The singer posted screenshots of their old chats on his Instagram Story, showing Iyabo inviting him to several events, including her late mother’s memorial, and seeking his help in promoting the music career of her adopted son and nephew.
In one of the messages, Iyabo wrote: “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.” Naira Marley responded: “Okay can he come asap? When can he come?? So sorry for this late reply.”
The singer gave no reason for sharing the messages, but his decision sparked reactions online. Many speculated that he was attempting to discredit Iyabo Ojo, who had been one of his most vocal critics following the death of young artist Mohbad in September 2023.
Reacting on Instagram, Iyabo reposted the leaked chats and issued a strong response, making it clear that her history of supporting young artists has never been a secret.
“As a TikTok sensation, I have 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 personally thanked me in my DM, and I later invited him to my movie premiere and my mother’s burial party,” she wrote.
She emphasized that she has always used her platform to help young artists grow, either by promoting their music, offering her lounge for shows, or connecting them with producers like Naira Marley. She also explained that one of the artists she introduced to him, Fabian, was signed to Marlian Music but left due to personal reasons, while her nephew’s music style did not align with the label’s vision.
However, Iyabo made it clear that her fallout with Naira Marley had nothing to do with their past interactions but rather his silence over the alleged bullying of Mohbad by his associate, Sam Larry.
“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,” she stated.
She added that she had also been informed of other serious allegations against Naira Marley and, if necessary, would address them 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 had been one of the most outspoken figures demanding justice for Mohbad after the young artist’s sudden and controversial death. She publicly criticized Naira Marley, accusing him of playing a role in Mohbad’s struggles while under his record label, Marlian Music.
In December 2023, Naira Marley retaliated by suing Iyabo for defamation, claiming she falsely linked him to Mohbad’s troubles. His lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, argued that Iyabo’s social media posts implied that the singer had both spiritual and physical influence over Mohbad, causing him mental distress.
In response, Iyabo filed a counter-lawsuit, further escalating the legal battle between the two public figures. With both sides unwilling to back down, the controversy continues to unfold, keeping fans and observers closely watching as the drama plays out in and out of court.
