By Titilayo Oreofe
Youths across Oyo State, converged in Ibadan, the state capital to stage a peaceful protest over what they called ‘mysterious death’ of a 27 year-old musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
The rally tagged “Justice For Mohbad” which took off from Mokola moved towards Sango, Bodija, Iwo Road, Gate; Dugbe, Ring Road; Apata, Iyaganku, and eventually climaxed at the Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan.
The protesters, who were all in black attires, carried placards with various inscriptions demanding justice for Mohbad, tagged “Justice For Mohbad”
The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Debo Ogundoyin, and State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon Adegoke Wasilat Adefemi, joined the protesters while the rally lasted.
The speaker and commissioner,vwho also dressed in black T-shirts, along with the youths, carried various placards calling for justice for late Mohbad, also chanted solidarity songs.
Ogundoyin, who addressed the protesters at different points, commended them for standing up for one of their own, adding that all well meaning Nigerians must lend their voices to call for justice for Mohbad.
Ogundoyin, who described Mohbad’s death as painful and shocking, said the deceased was a talented and highly inspired young musician, whose songs are lyrical and melodious.
He said late Mohbad, who rose from grass to grace exhibited a great passion for music.
”It is unfortunate that Ilerioluwa Imole died in a mysterious circumstances. The investigation team set up by the Nigeria Police Force must be thorough in their job.
“Everyone connected with the death of the young man must be questioned, investigated and the cause of his death must be unravelled
“Why did the Police fail to investigate a petition he sent to them on constant threats to his life?
“There are video clips showing Mohbad being beaten and bullied, yet no one was arrested at that time and no one was prosecuted.
“He also did some audio recordings of his depressing situation and conditions, but nothing was done by the security agencies to secure the life of the promising singer,” he said.
Ogundoyin described the death of Mohbad as pathetic, pitiful and condemnable.
One of the organisers of the protest, Mr Kunle Eniafe, expressed bitterness over the demise of Mohbad.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force to as a matter of urgency fish out those that killed the 27 year-old musician.
Eniafe said that Nigerian youths would continue to stage protests across the country until justice is done.