FG bans Eedris Abdulkareem’s ‘Tell Your Papa’ from airplay, labels it ‘Objectionable’

The Federal Government, through the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has officially barred Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the recently released song “Tell Your Papa” by veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem.

In a memo dated April 9, 2025, and signed by Susan Obi, the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, the NBC declared the track as “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB) due to its “objectionable nature.”

The Commission cited Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits the broadcast of content deemed inappropriate, offensive, or contrary to public decency.

While specific reasons for the classification were not detailed, the directive has stirred conversations about censorship, artistic expression, and freedom of speech.

Eedris Abdulkareem, known for his politically charged lyrics and social commentary, has yet to respond publicly to the ban.

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.

” 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.

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.