Dare Babalola
The family of late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has renewed calls for a transparent investigation into his September 2023 death in Lagos, while appointing administrators to oversee his estate.
In a new directive signed by the deceased’s father, Joseph Aloba and sent to newsmen, the family asked the singer’s widow, Wunmi Adebanjo, to stop using the Aloba surname until a court-ordered DNA test confirms the paternity of their son, Liam. They argued that traditional marriage rites were never completed.
The family says it’s determined to get answers about Mohbad’s death and has hired new lawyers to handle the case, including DNA testing and estate matters.
The statement partly read, “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 Aloba family has unanimously appointed Oladayo Ogungbe, Esq., of Ogungbe & Ogungbe Attorneys, as the sole and official legal representative of the family in all matters relating to the DNA case and the estate of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba (popularly known as Mohbad).
“Furthermore, the family has also unanimously agreed that Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, of Wahab Shittu, SAN & Co., shall continue to represent the family in all engagements and communications with investigative authorities concerning the ongoing inquiry into the cause of death of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad).”
The family also appointed three people to oversee Mohbad’s estate, including managing his assets, royalties, and intellectual property.
They identified the administrators as Ajewole Aloba, Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Alonge Aloba.
“These administrators are authorised 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 statement added.
The family further requested that Wunmi Adebanjo, identified as the deceased’s partner, cease using the surname Aloba in public or private records until lawful confirmation of paternity is obtained and the family gives approval.
“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 deceased fathered the child, Liam, both mother and child would be recognised within the estate administration process.
It, however, appealed to the public to remain calm and respect the judicial process, noting that the DNA verification was not intended to vilify anyone but to ensure legal clarity and fairness in the distribution of the estate. The statement also noted that a new burial and memorial date would be announced once legal and family matters are concluded.
“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.
