Mohbad’s Family Demands Transparent Investigation, Restricts Widow from Using Aloba Name Pending DNA Test
The family of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has reaffirmed its call for a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The Aloba family also instructed Mohbad’s partner, Wunmi Adebanjo, to stop using the family surname until a court-ordered DNA test determines the paternity of her child.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Omolayo Aloba and Joseph Aloba, the family emphasized that justice and clarity remain their priority. They have also appointed new legal counsel, Oladayo Ogungbe, Esq., for all estate and DNA-related matters, while Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, continues to handle communications with investigative authorities.
The family revealed that three administrators — Ajewole Aloba, Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Alonge Aloba — have been named to manage Mohbad’s estate, royalties, and intellectual property. They noted that Wunmi and her child, Liam, could join the administration if a DNA test confirms biological parentage.
“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 were never completed,” the statement read. The family appealed to the public to respect the judicial process and remain calm as matters are legally resolved.
In response, Wunmi’s legal representative, Kabir Akingbolu, criticized the family’s directive as illegal and misleading, insisting that Wunmi has every right to bear the Aloba surname under Nigerian law. He further noted that the family had repeatedly delayed the DNA test, including multiple changes of legal representatives and attempts to have it conducted abroad.
“The child is not a bastard, and my client has nothing to fear; she is a decent woman,” Akingbolu said, stressing that Wunmi is ready to conduct the DNA test at any time.
Mohbad, who died at 27 on September 12, 2023, had left Marlian Music in 2022, and his death has continued to generate social media controversy. The Lagos State Police Command had set up a 13-man special investigation team to probe the circumstances of his death.
Opinion: Navigating Justice and Legacy in the Wake of Mohbad’s Death
The ongoing dispute between Mohbad’s family and his widow highlights a painful but necessary intersection of legacy, legality, and emotion. While the family’s insistence on a DNA test and independent investigation underscores their commitment to transparency, the public feud over surnames and estate control shows how grief can complicate rational decision-making.
At the heart of the matter is a universal question: how do we honor a loved one’s legacy while ensuring fairness to all parties involved? For Mohbad, whose music inspired millions, this dispute is a reminder that the business of legacy can be as complex as fame itself.
It is essential for both sides to allow the judicial process to take its course rather than letting personal grievances dominate public discourse. In doing so, they not only protect Mohbad’s memory but also set a precedent for fairness in handling posthumous estates in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Until then, the fans, media, and public can only hope for a resolution that honors Mohbad’s life while providing clarity, justice, and peace to those he left behind.
