Popular radio broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has officially extended a heartfelt apology to controversial Nigerian singer Naira Marley. He revealed that his station, Agidigbo FM, will once again begin to air songs from the Marlian Records catalogue, effectively putting an end to the two-year ban placed on the label’s music. The ban had been enforced in September 2024, after the sudden and controversial passing of Mohbad, a former signee of Naira Marley, which sparked outrage and suspicions across the music industry and the public.
At the time, Mr. Hamzat had strongly condemned Naira Marley, believing the rumors and allegations that linked him to the tragic incident. His radio station, Agidigbo FM, swiftly pulled down all Marlian Records songs from their playlists, stating that they would no longer support any of his works until justice was served. However, after a series of investigations and reports that later cleared Naira Marley of direct involvement in Mohbad’s death, the broadcaster reconsidered his earlier stance. He openly admitted that his conclusions had been influenced by the heated emotions and misinformation that circulated during the controversy.
In his statement, Oriyomi Hamzat acknowledged that Naira Marley had been unfairly judged in the court of public opinion and expressed regret for contributing to the negative narrative that worsened the singer’s image at the time. According to him, the decision to reinstate Marlian Records on Agidigbo FM’s playlist is part of an effort to correct past wrongs and restore fairness. He went further to emphasize that the radio station would always stand for truth, justice, and the responsibility of promoting music without bias.
“I want to tender my sincere apology to Naira Marley. At the peak of the Mohbad tragedy, I made a decision that was influenced by emotions and public outrage. But now that the truth has surfaced, it is only right for me to retrace my steps. We are lifting the ban, and Marlian Records songs will once again be played on Agidigbo FM,” Oriyomi Hamzat said during a live broadcast.
The announcement has sparked a wave of mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians commended Hamzat for being bold enough to admit his mistake and apologize publicly, others criticized the sudden reversal, arguing that the apology cannot undo the damages done to Naira Marley’s reputation. Many also questioned whether lifting the ban was driven by genuine conviction or public pressure.
@aderinsolaaaaaa said: “I no sure say Ibadan people sabi Marlian records like that, when e no be Qdot.”
@Ham_mayour wrote: “Person wey kpai don go niyen, make God no allow kpai at young age.”
@therealohola said: “E no go better for , wetin be the difference between him and Naira Marley.”
@citybvyy commented: “What about all the damages they made? They just want to start playing his songs back? Lmao.”
@hashedmystic wrote: “What was his reason for apologizing? Matter is not mathing.”
Despite the backlash, the broadcaster insisted that the right thing to do was to restore the music of Marlian Records on his station since justice had been served. He concluded by saying that the station would continue to operate with fairness and that this decision was a reminder that no one should be condemned without facts.
Watch video below …
Oriyomi Hamzat finally apologizes to Naira Marley and announces that Agidigbo FM will start playing his songs again, years after 2 years of banning everything Marlian Records on their station🧎🏻♂️➡️ https://t.co/wb5ecBBv7C pic.twitter.com/0lPpVpQjOU
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) August 19, 2025