A peaceful gathering of protesters and fans paying homage to the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, was allegedly disrupted on Thursday night as teargas was deployed at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos State.
The solemn gathering had initially begun as a candlelight procession to honor the memory of the late singer, who had a significant impact on the Nigerian music scene. The tribute was organized by dedicated fans and supporters of Mohbad.
Earlier in the week, the management of Mohbad’s official X handle had announced the planned protest, aiming to celebrate the life and music of the departed artist. This event was expected to provide a platform for fans to express their grief and admiration for Mohbad.
The post stated
“appreciate the outpouring of love from fans across the world to the ones who’ve organised events in their communities as a way to honour and pay respect to our shining light we say thank you. Join us for Mohbad’s candlelight procession and tribute concert.”
Protesters, clad in white T-shirts, gathered at the Lekki Tollgate to remember their beloved artist. They played and danced to the tunes of Mohbad’s songs.
However, the atmosphere took an unexpected turn as reports emerged of teargas being used to disperse the gathering. The motive behind the dispersal remains unclear, as initial reports suggest that the event was intended to be a peaceful commemoration.
Popular skit maker, Oluwadolaz, claimed, “We have been dispersed with teargas…”
While some individuals claimed that the tear gas canisters were discharged by police officers in the state, a video shared on X through actress Iyabo Ojo’s Instagram live feed featured one of the participants in the candlelight vigil expressing their perspective, “I came out for my brother, Mohbad. This is the cabman that helped me. They fired teargas. These people came from the back. We don’t know them. I don’t even know them. All the police officers were there securing us.”
Meanwhile, a post from the well-known On-Air Personality, Do2dtun, on his X profile, stated, “Honesty over Honesty Nigerians do not listen. WE DO THE MOST. This procession ended at Muri Okunola Park over 3 hours ago. We ended and all left. Some still went to converge at the Lekki toll gate. It is not a protest. It is a CANDLELIGHT PROCESSION.”
The alleged disruption of this tribute to the late Mohbad has left many questioning the use of force in what was intended to be a peaceful and heartfelt remembrance of a talented artist. The candlelight procession, initiated at 5 pm, was orchestrated by the late singer’s management, while a tribute concert kicked off at 8 pm at Muri Okunola Park.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.