The family of late Nigerian singer and rapper, Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, has once again called for a thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the events leading to his death.
In a statement released and signed by the family head, Omolayo Aloba, along with Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, the family instructed the late singer’s wife, Wunmi Adebanjo, to refrain from using their surname, Aloba, until the results of a court-ordered DNA test of their only son, Liam, are confirmed.
The statement further noted that the family remains firm in its request for a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the late Singer’s death, while also revealing that new legal representatives have been appointed to handle all matters concerning his estate and the ongoing DNA case.
“The Aloba family remains resolute in its demand for a transparent, independent, and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death. The family is committed to seeing that justice is served, the truth uncovered, and those responsible held accountable.” The statement reads.
They identified the administrators as Ajewole Aloba, Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Alonge Aloba.
The statement further said. “These administrators are authorized to immediately apply for letters of administration from the probate registry to lawfully manage all estate assets, including royalties, bank holdings, real and personal property, and musical intellectual property. The family has left one slot open for Wunmi Adebanjo to join the administrators if and when a valid court-ordered DNA test confirms that Liam is the biological son of the late Mohbad.”
The family also demanded that Wunmi Adebanjo, identified as the deceased’s spouse, should desist from using the surname Aloba in public or private, and await the family’s approval until the paternity of Liam is ascertained legally.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no statutory or customary marriage was contracted between the late Mohbad and Wunmi Adebanjo, as the required Yoruba traditional rites (payment of bride price) were never completed,” the statement disclosed.
The family added that if the DNA result confirms that the late singer fathered the child, both mother and child would be included in the estate’s administration process.
The family, however, urged members of the public to stay calm and allow the judicial process to take its course, clarifying that the DNA test was not meant to tarnish anyone’s image but to establish legal clarity and fairness in the distribution of Mohbad’s estate. It also mentioned that a new date for his burial and memorial would be announced once all legal and family issues are resolved.
“The family will announce a new burial date and memorial plan for Mohbad in due course after the completion of all internal and legal formalities on the DNA matter. Justice for Mohbad remains our unwavering goal, and we will continue to pursue it through lawful and peaceful means,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the legal representative of the late singer’s wife, Kabir Akingbolu, condemned the directive from the Aloba’s family restraining his client, Wunmi, from using her late husband’s surname.
Akingbolu, who represents Wunmi in the ongoing paternity and estate-related proceedings, said the family’s statement was another attempt to mislead the public despite several court-backed opportunities to conduct the DNA test they requested.
Akingbolu, who is representing Wunmi’s legal interests in the ongoing paternity and estate disputes, stated that the family’s statement was yet another attempt to misinform the public, despite having multiple court-approved chances to carry out the DNA test they had requested.
“They were the ones who went to court to demand a DNA test. The court granted the order, but they refused to show up. We wrote four different letters to them, and they never came. They later came back with a new lawyer and asked that the DNA be done outside the country.” He stated.
Adding to his statement, “The court again granted the order, yet they disappeared. Now, for the third time, they’ve filed another application, saying they want it done in a particular hospital abroad. We will not allow that because you cannot choose a hospital for the court. We are ready for the DNA any time, any day. The child is not a bastard, and my client has nothing to fear; she is a decent woman.”
He also cited constitutional backing for her right to continue bearing the name.