The Aloba Family Demands Transparency in Mohbad’s Death and Estate Dispute
The family of the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, known professionally as Mohbad, has renewed its call for a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. In a recent statement, the family emphasized its commitment to ensuring justice is served and the truth about Mohbad’s passing is uncovered.
The statement, signed by Omolayo Aloba, the head of the family, and Joseph Aloba, Mohbad’s father, was shared with PUNCH Metro. It outlined several key points, including the family’s demand that Mohbad’s partner, Wunmi Adebanjo, cease using the surname Aloba until a court-ordered DNA test confirms her relationship to the late singer.
Legal Representation and Estate Management
In addition to demanding a thorough investigation, the family has appointed new legal counsel to handle all matters related to the estate and DNA testing. Oladayo Ogungbe, Esq., of Ogungbe & Ogungbe Attorneys, has been named as the sole legal representative for the family in all DNA-related cases. Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, of Wahab Shittu, SAN & Co., will continue to represent the family in communications with investigative authorities.
The family also named three administrators to manage Mohbad’s assets, royalties, and intellectual property. These administrators are Ajewole Aloba, Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Alonge Aloba. They have been authorized to apply for letters of administration from the probate registry to legally manage all estate assets. The family has left one slot open for Wunmi Adebanjo to join the administrators if a valid court-ordered DNA test confirms that Liam, the child she claims to be Mohbad’s son, is indeed the biological child.
Addressing the Use of the Aloba Surname
The family further requested that Wunmi Adebanjo stop using the Aloba surname in public or private records until lawful confirmation of paternity is obtained and the family gives approval. The statement clarified that no statutory or customary marriage was contracted between Mohbad and Wunmi, as the required Yoruba traditional rites, including the payment of bride price, were never completed.
If the DNA results confirm that Liam is Mohbad’s biological son, both Wunmi and the child will be recognized within the estate administration process. However, the family urged the public to remain calm and respect the judicial process, emphasizing that the DNA verification is intended to ensure legal clarity and fairness in the distribution of the estate.
Legal Backlash from Wunmi’s Representative
When contacted for a reaction, Kabir Akingbolu, the legal representative of Wunmi Adebanjo, criticized the Aloba family’s directive that his client stop using the Aloba surname. He argued that the family’s statement was an attempt to mislead the public despite several court-backed opportunities to conduct the DNA test they requested.
Akingbolu explained that the Aloba family initially sought a DNA test through the courts but later withdrew from the process, changing legal representatives multiple times. He claimed that the family had failed to comply with court orders and now wanted the DNA test conducted abroad, which he argued was not permissible under the law.
He added, “Nobody can stop her from bearing Aloba. That is the name given to her by her husband, and under the law, she has every right to keep it. The Supreme Court, in the case of Ojukwu vs Ojukwu, held that no one has a monopoly over a surname.”
Ongoing Dispute Over Paternity and Estate Control
This latest development marks another chapter in the ongoing dispute between Mohbad’s family and Wunmi over the paternity of their son and control of the singer’s estate. Mohbad, who died at the age of 27 on September 12, 2023, left behind a legacy that continues to spark controversy.
As a former signee of Marlian Music, owned by Naira Marley, Mohbad left the label in February 2022. The Lagos State Police Command had established a 13-man special investigation team to probe his death shortly after his passing.
In 2024, Mohbad’s father, through the family’s legal representatives, filed an application at the coroner’s court sitting in Ikorodu, Lagos State, seeking to uncover the cause of the singer’s death and later demanded a DNA test to resolve the paternity dispute.
