A church in Delta State has sparked controversy after using the name of the late singer Mohbad on its programme banner. The church, Harvest–-Store House International, located on Harvest House Street, Opposite Sokadje Hotel, Asaba, the state capital, advertised a special service tagged “Night Many Encounters” scheduled for Sunday, October 29, 2023.
The banner, which went viral on social media, featured the name of Mohbad, who died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. The banner also had the inscription theme “Am Not Mohbad…My Star & Light Must Shine In My Life Time ”
Many Nigerians reacted to the banner with mixed feelings. Some condemned the church for exploiting the name and image of Mohbad for publicity and financial gain. They accused the church of being insensitive and disrespectful to the memory and family of Mohbad.
Others defended the church, saying that it was exercising its faith and freedom of religion.
Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, was a popular Nigerian musician and songwriter. He was signed to Naira Marley’s Marlian Music record label until he terminated his contract in 2022 over allegations of abuse and exploitation.
He died after suffering from an ear infection that was allegedly mismanaged by an unlicensed nurse. His death sparked a social movement and protest with the hashtag #Justice4Mohbad. The Lagos State Police Command is still investigating his death and has arrested some suspects in connection with it
