Mohbad: Reps move to amend copyrights, royalties laws

In a bid to reposition the entertainment industry and protect the rights of artists, the House of Representatives has expressed readiness to amend copyright laws in the country.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion under matters of urgent importance sponsored by Mr Babajimi Benson, representing the Ikorodu federal constituency of Lagos state.

The House particularly pledged to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including record labels, artists, legal experts, and industry associations, to develop and implement industry-wide guidelines that ensure fair treatment, transparent contractual agreements, and proper compensation for artists, reviewing existing copyright and contract laws in Nigeria, identifying gaps or areas in need of reform.

In effect, Speaker Tajudeen Abass mandated the House committees on justice and legislative compliance to ensure compliance.

The House observed a minute of silence in honour of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, just as it promised to monitor the ongoing investigation, particularly the allegations of harassment and unpaid royalties to the deceased.

The House also resolved to invite the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) to put measures in place immediately to protect the rights of Mohbad’s songs and lyrics, addressing copyright infringements and ensuring the proper management of his musical assets while securing his son’s benefits from his musical legacy.

Benson, while moving the motion, recalled that Mohbad left his record label, Marlian Records, owned by Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley), in 2022, citing various grievances, including unpaid royalties.

The issue, he said, is indicative of a broader problem in which artists encounter challenges asserting their rights.