The National Broadcasting Commission has issued a nationwide directive banning the airplay of Eedris Abdulkareem’s latest song, “Tell Your Papa,” citing its controversial lyrics and non-compliance with broadcast standards.
According to a memo circulated on April 9, 2025, by Susan Obi, who serves as the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, the commission deemed the track unsuitable for public transmission under Section 3.1.8 of the NBC code.
This section forbids any broadcast of materials considered indecent, offensive, or disruptive to public order.
Though the song has quickly gone viral online, NBC said the lyrics undermine responsible broadcasting and, therefore, cannot be aired on radio or TV.
The directive read in part: “The NBC has flagged ‘Tell Your Papa’ as content that violates acceptable standards. Stations are advised not to broadcast the track in order to maintain professional ethics.”
The banned song is a direct response to recent remarks made by Seyi Tinubu, who described his father, President Bola Tinubu, as Nigeria’s “greatest leader.”
Abdulkareem’s lyrics accuse the president of neglect and failed promises while urging Seyi to face the nation’s suffering.
Some of the lyrics include: “Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try… Kidnappers dey kill Nigerians… You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem.”