The family of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, hereby reiterates its demand for a transparent, independent, and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
In a formal statement dated Tuesday and jointly signed by the head of the family, Mr. Omolayo Aloba, and the deceased’s father, Mr. Joseph Aloba, and made available to PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, the family further directed Ms. Wunmi Adebanjo (the deceased’s partner) to desist from using the family surname, Aloba, pending the determination of a court-ordered DNA test.
The statement reads in part:
“The Aloba family remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that justice is served through a transparent and independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of our son, Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad). To that end, the family has appointed Mr. Oladayo Ogungbe, Esq., of Ogungbe & Ogungbe Attorneys, as the sole and official legal representative in all matters pertaining to the DNA proceedings and the estate of the deceased.
In addition, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, of Wahab Shittu, SAN & Co., shall continue to represent the family in all engagements with investigative and law enforcement authorities concerning the ongoing inquiry into the cause of death.”
Regarding estate administration, the family appointed Mr. Ajewole Aloba, Mr. Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Mr. Alonge Aloba as duly authorized administrators to manage all assets, royalties, intellectual property, and other holdings of the deceased.
The statement further provides that one additional position shall be reserved for Ms. Wunmi Adebanjo should a valid and conclusive DNA result confirm that the minor, Liam, is indeed the biological son of the late Mohbad.
“Accordingly, Ms. Adebanjo is directed to refrain from the public or private use of the Aloba surname until lawful confirmation of paternity is established and the family grants approval. For the avoidance of doubt, no statutory or customary marriage was ever consummated between the late Ilerioluwa Aloba and Ms. Adebanjo, as the essential Yoruba traditional rites, including payment of bride price, were not completed.”
The family added that upon confirmation of paternity, both mother and child shall be fully recognized in the estate administration process. It also appealed to the general public to remain calm and to respect ongoing judicial processes, noting that the DNA verification is a legitimate legal requirement intended solely to ensure fairness and clarity in estate distribution.
The statement concluded by noting that a new burial and memorial date for the late Mohbad shall be announced upon completion of all legal and administrative procedures.
RESPONSE BY COUNSEL TO MS. WUNMI ADEBANJO
Reacting to the family’s statement, Mr. Kabir Akingbolu, legal counsel to Ms. Wunmi Adebanjo, described the directive restraining his client from using the surname Aloba as both “illegal and sentimental.”
He maintained that his client retains a constitutionally protected right to bear the name bestowed upon her by her husband, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Ojukwu v. Ojukwu, which established that no individual or family holds exclusive proprietary rights over a surname.
Mr. Akingbolu further alleged that the Aloba family had frustrated multiple court-authorized DNA testing opportunities by repeatedly changing legal representatives and refusing to appear for testing.
“They initiated the court process seeking a DNA test, and the order was granted. Yet, they repeatedly failed to comply. We remain ready to proceed with the DNA test at any time. My client has nothing to hide; she is a decent woman, and her child is not illegitimate.”
This development marks the latest episode in the ongoing legal and familial dispute concerning paternity, estate administration, and the circumstances surrounding the death of the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (Mohbad), who passed away on 12 September 2023 at the age of 27.
The Lagos State Police Command had previously constituted a 13-man special investigation team to examine the cause of death. The matter remains under active judicial and investigative review.#newsafro_
