FG Bans Eedris Abdulkareem’s Protest Song ‘Tell Your Papa’ from Radio and TV

 

FG Bans Eedris Abdulkareem’s Protest Song ‘Tell Your Papa’ from Radio and TV

By Malachi Oguda, April 11, 2025

The Federal Government of Nigeria has banned the broadcast of Eedris Abdulkareem’s latest protest song, “Tell Your Papa,” from all radio and television stations across the country.

In a memo issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the song was classified as “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB), citing Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The NBC stated that the track contained “objectionable” content and violated responsible broadcasting standards.

“Tell Your Papa” is a direct message to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to tell his father about the growing economic hardship and insecurity plaguing the nation. In one of the song’s most viral lines, Eedris sings:

 “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”

The lyrics echo the frustrations of many Nigerians who say the promises of the current administration have gone unfulfilled. The song quickly gained popularity online, with thousands of Nigerians sharing clips and lyrics across social media platforms.

Reacting to the ban, Eedris Abdulkareem fired back at the Tinubu-led administration, accusing it of being intolerant to criticism.

 “They want to silence truth-tellers. This government sees conscience as a crime and truth as a wound,” he said.

Despite the ban, the song continues to trend on platforms like YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, with many Nigerians praising Eedris for speaking truth to power.

The controversy has reignited debates around freedom of expression, censorship, and the role of music in activism, as many see the ban as a move to suppress dissenting voices ahead of key political milestones.

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