The sad passing of the 27-year-old Afrobeat artiste, Illerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad has been such a bitter pill to swallow. Until now, I have kept mute probably because I am still trying to come to terms with the shady circumstances that led to his death, or because I never spoke about him while he lived (the reason being that I never knew him). His songs, however, are not alien to me. I had often heard them but had no idea of the voice behind the tracks. But for about five days, his name has saturated the internet space. He has been on every lip. His songs have topped music charts. They are being played almost everywhere; on commercial vehicles, radios, in the malls and on the streets. His story has taken the epicentre of most conversations.
From some of the comments on social media, a time like this was rumoured to come, following the numerous outbursts of the deceased indicating a threat to his life. Various videos of him in this regard, as well as interviews he granted, had him reeling out his predicaments in pain, seeking help and professing his dire desire to be alive. The question therefore is, since the young man kept nobody in the dark, what exactly was done to save him from his tormentor (s)?
For a long time, Mohbad lived in fear following constant threats riddled on him and a series of physical abuse. His life was probably laced with pain and terror. But he never endured in silence. He bravely spoke, even in his lyrics; he told tales of his predicaments and expressed his firm resolve to accept what became his fate. He called out a number of people for making his life a nightmare, but nothing was done.
Today, he is gone and everyone has gone bananas. Many voices are in the streets demanding justice for Mohbad, claiming to know what snuffed off his breath at the dawn of his life. As good as that step may be, why is it being done now? Will justice give breath to Mohbad’s remains already laid to earth in such a hasty manner?
I did not know him until his death, but listening to his struggles in his lyrics rips my heart. I can not even place my finger on whether he truly enjoyed his ephemeral life. From the videos seen, I can infer that he was a responsible young man who found himself among the wrong folk. Unlike the proliferation of ‘baby-mamas’ among many Afrobeat stars, which has apparently settled as the in-thing, Mohbad respected the institution of marriage, legitimately tied the knot and had a son who is five months old.
Nigerians calling for justice are doing the right thing but unfortunately, not at the best time. The help the young man needed, came very late. The justice Nigerians seek, if successful, cannot bring back Mohbad, but perhaps, will liberate others in similar situations. It is always good to show up for people when they need it most. Show them love while they still live. Tomorrow is uncertain.
