The Nigerian government through the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has barred radio and television stations from airing the trending song “Tell Your Papa” by veteran rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem, citing its “objectionable nature.”
In a memo dated April 9, 2025 and issued by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the commission declared the track Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
This section prohibits content deemed inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency from being aired on Nigerian broadcast platforms.
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According to the NBC, while the song has gained momentum across social media platforms, its lyrical content fails to meet the standards of responsible broadcasting.
The statement titled, “Restriction on boradcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,’ read, “The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, currently trending on social media, as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature.
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” It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
“The commission requests that your station exercises discretion and refrains from airing this song to maintain responsible broadcasting standards.
“Your cooperation and commitment to upholding greatly appreciated. Thank you, Susan Obi -Coordinating Director, Broadcast Monitoring.”
The controversial song, released earlier this week, targets Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, calling on him to confront his father over the worsening socio-economic conditions in Nigeria.
Recall during a March public engagement in Adamawa State, the young Tinubu eulogised his father as the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.
“It was never politics, but they keep coming for me, they keep coming for my family, they keep coming for your father, they keep coming for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the greatest president in the history of Nigeria,” he said.
He further praised his father’s leadership, claiming he had prioritised youth empowerment and economic growth.
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However, in the track titled “Tell Your Papa,” which was shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Abdulkareem delivered a blunt message, painting a grim picture of the hardships facing everyday Nigerians.
The song comes in response to Seyi Tinubu’s recent comments in Adamawa State, where he described his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.”
In the hard-hitting lyrics, Abdulkareem raps, “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
“Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises. On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him; kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.
“Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem,” he sings.
This isn’t the first time Mr Abdulkareem used music to critique Nigerian leaders.
His bold and courageous use of music as a tool for political commentary has inspired many. His 2004 hit “Nigeria Jaga Jaga” drew sharp criticism from then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who condemned the track for portraying Nigeria negatively.
At a Nigeria Leadership Initiative forum in Lagos, Mr Obasanjo remarked, “One of the worst problems Nigeria faces is disbelief. Nigerians no longer believe in themselves or their country. That takes me back to that song ‘Jaga Jaga.’ How could a sane man dare to call his country Jaga Jaga? It is the height of blasphemy.”
The former military head of state added, “We are grooming our youths for tomorrow’s leadership, and with such persons, I don’t think the country can move forward.”
However, Mr Abdulkareem has consistently fired back at Mr Obasanjo in interviews and on social media.
In one post, he wrote, “President Obasanjo, if you truly love Goodluck as you claimed, why didn’t you talk to your fellow Boko Haram member to let Goodluck rule in peace?”
He taunted the ex-president in another tweet: “Mr ex-president, I heard you were talking about me in your last interview… you can’t do without me. You are my mugu. Obasanjo na my mugu oooo… You dey look for trouble ooo.”
Following the exchange, Mr Abdulkareem announced plans to release a new song, “Obasanjo na My Friend.”
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