Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has responded to the ban of his protest song Tell Your Papa by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC). In a post on Instagram on Thursday, April 10, 2025, he said the Nigerian government now treats telling the truth as a crime.
Eedris Abdulkareem at the endSARS protest in Lagos, Nigeria
This came after the NBC declared that the song was not suitable for radio or TV. The song, which criticizes bad leadership and hardship, has gone viral online. Many Nigerians are sharing their thoughts about it.
Veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem feels the ban shows that the current government, led by President Bola Tinubu, does not welcome criticism or honest feedback.
“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government,” he wrote.
He also described the administration as “one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent administrations ever to preside over the affairs of Nigeria.”
He reminded fans that this is not the first time his music has been banned. In 2004, former President Obasanjo banned his hit track Jaga Jaga, which also spoke against poor governance. “I have travelled this road before… this is reminiscent of the ban of my song Jaga Jaga, by the Obasanjo administration 21 years ago!” he said.
Eedris also criticised the NBC’s message sent to broadcast stations. He said the move is aimed at hiding the truth from Nigerians. “The attached letter has been sent to all broadcast houses in Nigeria, instructing them to shield the government by hiding the candle under the table,” he added.
He ended by questioning why the country has failed to grow. Still, despite the ban, Tell Your Papa keeps gaining attention. People are streaming and sharing the song, showing that its message cannot be silenced.
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