The relatives of the late musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely recognized as Mohbad, have reiterated their demand for a clear and impartial in...
The relatives of the late musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely recognized as Mohbad, have reiterated their demand for a clear and impartial inquiry into the events leading to his passing.
A statement released on Tuesday, signed by the family's leader, Omolayo Aloba, and Mohbad's father, Joseph Aloba, was sent toPUNCH MetroOn Wednesday, the family also instructed the late singer's partner, Wunmi Adebanjo, to cease using the family name, Aloba, until the results of a court-mandated DNA test are finalized.
As per the statement, the family expressed its determination to push for a full inquiry into the events leading to Mohbad's death, and mentioned that it has selected new legal representatives to handle all estate and DNA-related issues.
The statement partially stated, “The Aloba family continues to insist on a transparent, independent, and thorough inquiry into the events leading to Mohbad’s passing. The family is determined to ensure justice is done, the facts come to light, and those involved are brought to account.”
The Aloba family has collectively selected Oladayo Ogungbe, Esq., from Ogungbe & Ogungbe Attorneys, as the exclusive and recognized legal representative for the family concerning all issues related to the DNA case and the estate of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba (commonly referred to as Mohbad).
"Additionally, the family has also collectively decided that Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, from Wahab Shittu, SAN & Co., will remain as the family's representative in all interactions and communications with investigative bodies regarding the current investigation into the cause of death of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad)," the statement noted.
Dealing with issues related to Mohbad's estate, the family appointed three administrators to handle the deceased's assets, royalties, and intellectual property.
They recognized the administrators as Ajewole Aloba, Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Alonge Aloba.
"These officials are permitted to promptly request letters of administration from the probate office to legally handle all estate assets, such as royalties, bank accounts, real and personal property, and musical intellectual property. The family has reserved a position for Wunmi Adebanjo to become an administrator if and when a court-mandated DNA test verifies that Liam is the biological son of the late Mohbad," the statement noted.
The family also asked Wunmi Adebanjo, who is recognized as the deceased's partner, to stop using the surname Aloba in both public and private documents until legal proof of paternity is provided and the family grants permission.
The statement revealed, 'To avoid any confusion, no legal or traditional marriage took place between the late Mohbad and Wunmi Adebanjo, as the necessary Yoruba customs (including the payment of bride price) were never finalized.'
The family stated that if the DNA test verifies that the deceased is the father of the child, Liam, both the mother and the child would be acknowledged in the estate distribution procedure.
However, it urged the public to stay calm and respect the legal procedures, emphasizing that the DNA testing was not meant to disgrace anyone but to achieve legal clarity and fairness in the division of the inheritance. The statement also mentioned that a new date for the burial and memorial ceremony would be announced once legal and family issues are resolved.
"The family will reveal a new burial date and memorial arrangements for Mohbad at a later time, following the completion of all internal and legal procedures regarding the DNA issue. Achieving justice for Mohbad is our steadfast objective, and we will keep working towards it using lawful and peaceful methods," the statement said.
On Wednesday, when approached for a response, the legal representative of the late singer's wife, Kabir Akingbolu, criticized the Aloba family's order preventing his client, Wunmi, from using her late husband's last name.
Akingbolu, who is representing Wunmi in the current legal matters concerning paternity and inheritance, stated that the family's statement is yet another effort to deceive the public, even though there have been multiple court-approved chances for them to carry out the DNA test they requested.
Akingbolu added that following the initial court ruling, the Aloba family is said to have stepped back from the proceedings and frequently switched their legal counsel.
He stated, "They were the ones who took legal action to request a DNA test. The court approved the request, but they did not appear. We sent four separate letters to them, yet they never showed up. Later, they returned with a different attorney and requested that the DNA test be conducted abroad."
The court once more approved the order, but they vanished. Now, for the third time, they have submitted another request, claiming they wish it to be carried out in a specific hospital overseas. We will not permit this since you cannot select a hospital for the court. We are always prepared for the DNA test, anytime, anywhere. The child is not illegitimate, and my client has nothing to worry about; she is a respectable woman.
In response to the family's request for Wunmi to cease using the Aloba name, Akingbolu considered it both unlawful and emotionally driven.
He also referenced constitutional support for her right to retain the name.
He stated, "No one can prevent her from using the name Aloba. This is the name she was given by her husband, and according to the law, she has the full right to retain it. The Supreme Court, in the case of Ojukwu vs Ojukwu, ruled that no individual has exclusive control over a surname. There are thousands of Alobas around the globe. They are the ones who are being identified through DNA testing. We have always been prepared — whether it's today or tomorrow, we will be there," Akingbolu said.
The situation is the most recent in the continuous conflict between the family of the late musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely referred to as Mohbad, and his wife, Wunmi, regarding the parentage of their child and the management of the singer's assets.
Mohbad passed away at 27 on September 12, 2023, and the details of his death have led to debates online.
Previously signed with Marlian Music, which is owned by Naira Marley, Mohbad left the label in February 2022. On September 18, 2023, the Lagos State Police Command established a 13-member special investigation team to look into the singer's death.
PUNCH had previously mentioned in 2024 that Mohbad's father, via the family's legal team, submitted a request at the coroner's court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, aiming to determine the reason for the singer's death and subsequently requested a DNA test to address the paternity issue involving the child.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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