The family of late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has renewed its demand for a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. In a statement signed by the family head, Omolayo Aloba, and Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, the family also directed the late singer’s partner, Wunmi Adebanjo, to stop using the family surname, “Aloba,” until a court-ordered DNA test confirms the paternity of her son, Liam. According to the statement, the family has appointed new legal representatives to handle all matters related to Mohbad’s estate and the ongoing DNA controversy. “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 read. The family announced that Oladayo Ogungbe, Esq., of Ogungbe & Ogungbe Attorneys, will serve as the sole legal representative in all estate and DNA-related matters, while Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) will continue representing the family in dealings with investigative authorities. Three administrators were also appointed to manage Mohbad’s estate, including his assets, royalties, and intellectual property. They were identified as Ajewole Aloba, Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Alonge Aloba. The family added that one slot would remain open for Wunmi Adebanjo if a valid DNA test confirms Liam as Mohbad’s biological son. “The appointed administrators are authorised to apply for letters of administration to manage all estate assets, including royalties, bank holdings, real and personal property, and musical intellectual property,” the statement said. The family further requested that Wunmi refrain from publicly or privately using the “Aloba” surname until the paternity test result is confirmed and family approval is granted. It clarified that no statutory or traditional marriage rites were completed between Mohbad and Wunmi. The statement added that if the DNA test confirms Liam as Mohbad’s son, both mother and child would be fully recognised in the estate administration process. The family also appealed for calm, noting that the DNA process is not meant to shame anyone but to ensure fairness and legal clarity in the distribution of the late singer’s estate. A new burial date and memorial plan, according to the family, will be announced after legal matters are concluded. However, Wunmi’s lawyer, Kabir Akingbolu, dismissed the family’s directive as “illegal and sentimental,” accusing them of attempting to mislead the public despite several opportunities to complete the DNA process. Akingbolu said the Aloba family had repeatedly failed to appear for the test despite multiple court orders and correspondence, insisting that his client is ready to comply anytime. “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 letters to them, and they never came. Later, they said they wanted it done abroad. The court again approved it, but they disappeared. We’re ready for the DNA any time, any day,” he said. Responding to the family’s directive for Wunmi to stop using the Aloba surname, Akingbolu maintained that she has every legal right to continue bearing the name, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Ojukwu vs Ojukwu, which established that no one holds exclusive ownership of a surname. “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. There are thousands of Alobas in the world. They are the ones avoiding the DNA test. My client has nothing to hide,” he added. The renewed tension marks the latest chapter in the ongoing dispute between Mohbad’s family and his widow over the paternity of their son and control of the singer’s estate. Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, under circumstances that continue to generate controversy and calls for justice.
