Veteran Nigerian rapper and social activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning his politically charged song, “Tell Your Papa,” which criticizes the deteriorating socio-economic conditions in the country and calls out President Bola Tinubu through his son, Seyi Tinubu.
In the controversial track, which has been trending across social media platforms since its release, Eedris delivers a raw and uncompromising message, urging Seyi Tinubu to confront his father over the prevailing hardships in Nigeria. With lyrics such as “Seyi, tell your papa country hard… tell your papa people dey die” and “try travel by road without security,” the rapper paints a grim picture of insecurity, poverty, and government insensitivity.
NBC Bans Song, Cites Broadcasting Code Violation
In a memo dated April 9, 2025, the NBC officially directed all broadcast stations to refrain from airing “Tell Your Papa.” The directive was signed by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, and referenced Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which bars the broadcast of materials deemed “inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency.”
According to the Commission, although the song continues to gain traction online, its lyrics fall short of the standards expected of content aired on national radio and television. The track was officially labelled “Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB),” effectively restricting its presence in traditional media.
Eedris Responds: “Truth Is Now a Crime”
Reacting to the ban in a statement shared via his Instagram page on Thursday, Eedris did not mince words in his criticism of the Tinubu-led administration, accusing it of intolerance to dissent and branding it as vindictive and oppressive.
“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government,” he wrote. “This present administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going down in history as one of the most insensitive, vindictive, and grossly maleficent regimes this country has ever endured.”
Eedris went further, comparing the current ban to a similar incident in 2004 when former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government banned his now-iconic protest song “Jaga Jaga.” That track, much like “Tell Your Papa,” called out the rot in Nigeria’s political and economic systems and sparked national debate.
“History Repeating Itself”
Reflecting on his decades-long activism through music, Eedris noted that censorship has become a recurring tool used by Nigerian governments to suppress voices of dissent. “This is history repeating itself. They banned Jaga Jaga 21 years ago, and here we are again. Has anything really changed?” he asked rhetorically.
The rapper insisted that banning the song would not silence the growing frustration among ordinary Nigerians who face daily challenges ranging from hunger and insecurity to joblessness and inflation.
“This government should understand that the conscience is an open wound. Only truth can heal it,” he said. “Rather than attacking the messenger, they should focus on fixing the message—the reality we all face.”
Supporters Rally Online
Following the NBC’s decision, fans and civil society activists have taken to social media to show support for Eedris and condemn what they see as a continued erosion of free expression in Nigeria. The hashtag #TellYourPapa is gaining traction, with many sharing their personal experiences and frustrations under the current administration.
While traditional broadcast stations may be barred from airing the song, it continues to circulate widely online, cementing Eedris Abdulkareem’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most vocal musical dissidents.
