FIRSTLY, I commiserate with the family of the late Promise Aloba (Mohbad). May God give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Referring to the movie; ‘Gangs of Lagos’ is to affirm the saying that “art imitates life”.
When the movie came out I was critical of Jade Osiberu being a cultural protagonist and especially regarding the last scene where masquerades unleashed terror at a burial as it was a ridicule to the whole essence of the Eyo Adimu culture.
However, if you engage perspective in Mohbad’s case; the events over the past few years involving him since he joined Marlian Records in 2019, his release of KPK in February 2021, new lifestyle, his brush with NDLEA in October 2022, the personalities who have been around him since he came into limelight until he left Marlian Records in November 2022 up until his demise. The good days, how things went sour between him and his record label, and how he cried out for help in his last days, then you would be able to relate to the message being passed in Gangs of Lagos. Examine what became of people like Pasuma who tried to stand up for himself and puns like Mr Macaroni, Chike and Black Kamaru. It all boils down to what Oscar Wilde said that; “A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies”. They may come as family, friends, acquitance, helping hands, benefactor or beneficiary.
He was destined not make it out alive (permit my frankness, I am not being insensitive). It takes the grace of God and shear providence to survive when engaged in a setting that has underworld/outlaw semblance especially when things go south and you cry out. It is an open secret that the Nigerian movie and music industries these days are like secret cults and the underworld. These days new entrants are torn between the devil and the deep blue sea. They unconsciously legitimise oppression from their oppressors most times. Those who survive, actually dined with the devil with long spoons, according to revelations in interviews with some of them.
The underworld is coded in mysteries and secrecy. Breaking such codes without a superior protection or fortification is in itself a death sentence especially in a society where the rule of law and justice is minimal like Nigeria. Mohbad seemed to have broken some codes and he was never forgiven. So unfortunate he did not have the type of luck that someone like Habeeb Olalomi Oyegbile (Portable), the Zazzu crooner had in tackling those who wanted to become a demagogue to his musical career, he broke loose but I know it definitely comes with a price to pay like being sidelined for top gigs, awards and endorsements.
The high society in Nigeria especially Lagos which includes artistes, the record labels, movie icons, people living in certain highbrow sections of the city, politicians, celebrities, businessmen, wannabes and fortunate thugs are all intertwined in the inglorious underworld setting of Lagos unfortunately and that is why certain people act so brazenly and get away with impunity. The ‘man know man’ syndrome of the evil doers is a scourge which seems encouraged by those in government because often time people found wanting are often close to those in government . The city undoubtly has the most numbers of outlaws in Nigeria if critically examined.
Mohbad’s death most importantly reinforces Khalil Gibran’s admonition that;
“…..Pity the nation that aclaims the bully a hero and deems the glittering conqueror bountiful…
……Pity the nation that raises not it’s voice save when it walks in a funeral, boasts not except among its ruins and will rebel not, save when its neck is laid between the sword and block……”.
It is sad to see the viciousness of our beloved Nigeria keep manifesting. The demise of the middle class is taking a toll on our consciousness and humanity. You are either rich or poor and the desire to be rich or to be among the best in whatever you do often leads to the desire to associate with those at the top at all cost which is causing a lot of agony and misdirection for youths especially. The fad called ‘clout chasing’ is causing most people to associate with wolves and sharks who mislead and turn them to puns for nefarious and untoward activities.
The pain after the death of Mohbad is not that he will never get justice but the fact that we may never get to the root of his death because there may never be proper and thorough investigation not to talk of justice which majority are yearning for.
The names popping up as his bullies and those who allegedly continously maligned and physically attacked him while alive are outlaws who boast about owning Lagos in the mould of the former owner of Olympic Marsielle FC of France, Bernard Tapie’s garrulous statement years ago that; “Whatever goes on in planet earth; in soccer, business or ministries, gangsters always get the deal”. Unfortunately, dead men tells no tales. I can imagine the threats to his life to warrant the lyrics from his recent songs.
Watching his dad unable to be emotional to express his grief is heart rending to me. I can imagine what he is going through because physical scars can be hidden but how do you mask scars on your soul? I bet he has been conditioned by certain forces not to give in to emotions because of likely consequences. So sad.
Mohbad was a strongman and warrior, Nigeria only happened to him. I salute his courage. He undoubtedly had a premonition of his death. He stared death in the face and overcame death. Bravo!!!
The best we can do for him is to immortalise him in our hearts and by making him a reference point while we collectively campaign against bullying in Nigeria.
They only tried to dim his star but they forgot that he is a moon whose glory can never be dimmed.
You remain great, even in death #Mohbad
Ki Olorun se iku ni isinmi fun e. Amen🙏
Rest in Peace #Imole🙏💔
You live on in our hearts!
Wale Oyelekan
