The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has told Nigerian TV and radio stations to stop airing Eedris Abdulkareem’s new song “Tell Your Papa,” calling it “objectionable.”
In a memo dated 9 April 2025, the Commission said the song falls short of what it considers decent for public broadcast.
The ban was announced by Susan Obi, NBC’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring.
Even though “Tell Your Papa” is trending on social media, NBC says its message breaches Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which forbids any content considered indecent, offensive, or inappropriate.
“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,” the memo read.
The controversial song directly calls out Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, asking him to tell his father how hard life has become for ordinary Nigerians.
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die,” Abdulkareem raps, adding, “Too much empty promises… kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.”
He urges Seyi to experience Nigeria like the masses: “Try to travel by road without your security, which will make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians.”
The track was released days after Seyi Tinubu described his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history,” sparking mixed reactions online.
NBC has now warned broadcasters to steer clear of the song to “maintain responsible broadcasting standards.”
“Your cooperation and commitment to upholding these standards is greatly appreciated,” the Commission said.
Despite the ban, the song continues to spark debate on social media, where many Nigerians see it as a bold reflection of their frustration with the country’s current state.
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