JUST IN: ROD Hotel Drops Jigan BabaOja Amid Controversy Tied to Mohbad’s Death

In a swift and calculated move driven by reputational concerns, ROD Hotel & Apartments has officially terminated its ambassadorial contract with popular Nigerian comedian and actor Jigan BabaOja, following growing public scrutiny over his alleged involvement—whether direct or indirect—in the unresolved case surrounding the death of music star Mohbad.

Jigan, whose real name is Abimbola Kazeem and who rose to fame with the catchphrase “sho mo age mi”, is the latest celebrity to face corporate fallout in the wake of the #Justice4Mohbad movement, a campaign that erupted across Nigeria and the diaspora following the mysterious death of singer Mohbad (Ilerioluwa Aloba) in September 2023.

While the police investigation into Mohbad’s demise remains ongoing, the social climate has turned sharply unforgiving toward anyone perceived to be affiliated—however loosely—with the case or with personalities entangled in its media orbit. That includes VeryDarkMan (VDM), the controversial online activist whose name repeatedly surfaces in these conversations. Though there is no official confirmation of wrongdoing on Jigan’s part, his recent online interactions and perceived alignment with VDM have ignited a firestorm on social media.

Public opinion, once again, appears to be the driving force behind this high-profile decision.

In its official press release, ROD Hotel stated that “we are committed to the principles of integrity, public trust, and the rule of law.” While the statement did not directly reference the Mohbad case, the timing and public discourse leave little doubt about what prompted the decision.

Jigan’s camp has yet to issue a formal response.

This development reflects a growing corporate trend toward proactive risk management, especially in the age of digital accountability where viral hashtags and influencer backlash can reshape public perception overnight. A 2023 study by the Journal of Business Ethics found that 68% of brands now include morality clauses in their ambassador contracts to protect against reputational risk—underscoring how far-reaching the consequences of public suspicion have become, even in the absence of legal conviction.

Jigan's sudden ousting also highlights a broader issue: the increasing tendency for online narratives and associations to dictate real-world consequences, sometimes ahead of due process. It’s a sobering reminder that in today’s hyper-connected world, the court of public opinion often acts faster—and harsher—than the legal system itself.

With Jigan’s brand partnerships now in jeopardy, the incident adds another chapter to the still-unfolding Mohbad tragedy, further proving that no public figure remains untouched as long as the quest for #Justice4Mohbad continues to grip the nation.

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