The ongoing saga between Nigerian music star Naira Marley and Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has taken yet another dramatic turn. On August 3, 2025, Iyabo Ojo went live on Instagram, spilling details about a private meeting with Naira Marley, his associate Sam Larry, and social media critic VeryDarkMan (VDM). The revelations sparked a firestorm online, and Naira Marley, never one to stay silent, responded with cryptic posts on X that many interpret as subtle shades aimed at the actress. Let’s unpack this heated exchange, explore the context, and dive into why this feud continues to grip Nigeria’s entertainment scene.
Iyabo Ojo’s Live Video: What She Said
During her Instagram Live session, Iyabo Ojo confirmed a meeting with Naira Marley and Sam Larry, facilitated by the Nigeria Police Force’s National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC). The meeting was attended by VDM, Tonto Dikeh, and their respective lawyers. Iyabo revealed she apologized to Naira Marley for a video she posted in 2023, reacting to the controversial death of Mohbad, a former signee of Marley’s Marlian Music label. She claimed the video led to Marley’s public “cancellation” and admitted her emotional response may have fueled the backlash.
But that wasn’t all. Iyabo dropped a bombshell about her son, Festus, alleging that during a visit to Naira Marley’s house, his drink was spiked with a substance; information she says came from Marley’s former signee, DJ Splash. This serious accusation reignited tensions, with Iyabo calling out VDM as “manipulative” and “deceitful” for leaking details of their meeting and a related WhatsApp group formed after Mohbad’s death.
Naira Marley’s Response
True to form, Naira Marley didn’t address Iyabo’s claims directly but took to X with two posts that sent netizens into a frenzy. In one, he wrote in Yoruba about God’s greatness, urging people to praise Him. In another, he quoted a line from his song: “Lagos is sweet, come back home.” Fans and critics alike saw these as subtle jabs at Iyabo, interpreting them as a way to dismiss her allegations while maintaining his cool.
The posts triggered a polarized response. Some netizens urged Marley to take legal action against Iyabo for her claims, while others defended the actress, arguing that Marley’s association with Sam Larry and past allegations of bullying Mohbad make his silence suspicious. One user commented, “Haffa if you don forgive just like that without treat her then you too don fuckup your strong fans,” while another fired back, “You wey kill mobad either by bullying, harassment, or any means will suffer first.”
The root of this feud traces back to the tragic death of Mohbad in September 2023, which sparked nationwide outrage and scrutiny of Naira Marley and Sam Larry. Iyabo Ojo was a vocal advocate for justice, accusing Marley of contributing to Mohbad’s struggles through alleged bullying and label disputes. Marley faced a ₦500 million defamation lawsuit against Iyabo in December 2023, demanding a public apology for her statements.
The WhatsApp group, formed to seek justice for Mohbad, has become a focal point of controversy. VDM, who initially criticized Marley, later claimed Iyabo failed to deliver a promised public apology and shared group chats where she allegedly called Mohbad’s father a “useless father” and criticized Davido for not unfollowing Marley. These leaks have painted Iyabo as manipulative in some eyes, while others see her as a victim of targeted attacks.
The Role of VeryDarkMan
VDM has emerged as a central figure in this drama, positioning himself as a truth-seeker. He claims his shift in perspective came after meeting Marley at the NCCC, where he learned of Iyabo’s apology and alleged manipulative tactics. VDM’s leaked chats and videos, including one accusing Iyabo of planning to fly Mohbad’s widow, Wunmi, out of the country, have kept the feud alive. However, Iyabo hit back, accusing VDM of distorting facts to sabotage her petition against Marley and Sam Larry.
The online reaction to this saga is a microcosm of Nigeria’s polarized entertainment landscape. Some netizens back Marley, believing he’s been unfairly targeted. “The Just Shall Be Vindicated, Sooner Or Later. Thank God I Stood On The Side Of Truth,” one user wrote. Others support Iyabo, citing her advocacy for Mohbad and her claims about her son’s experience. “It was carelessness that killed Mohbad, but Sam Larry and Naira Marley bullied breath out of his life,” another commented.
The controversy has also drawn in other figures, like Iyabo’s partner, Paul Okoye (Pauloo), who claimed Marley was abroad during Mohbad’s death and had no direct involvement. This contradicted Iyabo’s earlier stance, adding fuel to the fire.