The family of the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has renewed its call for a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.In a statement issued on Wednesday, the familyโthrough its representatives, Joseph Aloba and Omolayo Alobaโalso announced that Mohbadโs widow, Wunmi Adebanjo, has been barred from using the โAlobaโ surname pending the outcome of a DNA test on her son, Liam.
According to the statement, the family insists that it will not recognise Wunmi as a member of the Aloba household until the paternity test confirms her childโs lineage. It further declared that there was no valid customary or statutory marriage between Mohbad and Wunmi, claiming that traditional rites such as the payment of bride price were never completed.
The family also appointed legal representatives to handle ongoing matters relating to the case. Barrister Oladayo Ogungbe was named as counsel for DNA and estate issues, while Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) continues to represent the family in investigations surrounding the singerโs death.Additionally, administrators have been selected to oversee Mohbadโs estate, royalties, and intellectual property. The named administrators are Ajewole Aloba, Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Alonge Aloba, with one slot reserved for Wunmi if the DNA test result confirms her sonโs paternity.
Reaffirming their demand for justice, the family urged the authorities to reopen the case and ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. They maintained that their only goal is to uncover the truth behind the 27-year-old artistโs untimely death.Responding to the development, Wunmiโs lawyer, Barrister Kabir Akingbolu, dismissed the familyโs directive as โunlawful and misleading.โ He argued that the widow retains the constitutional right to use the Aloba surname and described the familyโs actions as โsentimental and baseless.โAkingbolu also stated that his client remains ready to undergo the DNA test โany time, any day,โ alleging that it was the family who failed to show up for the court-ordered procedure.Mohbad, a former signee of Marlian Music, died on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances that have sparked nationwide outrage and the viral #JusticeForMohbad movement.
Although the Lagos State Police Command had earlier conducted an investigation and exhumed the singerโs body for autopsy, the Aloba family maintains that only a fresh and independent probe will reveal the truth and deliver justice.