The family of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, has reiterated its call for a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by family head Omolayo Aloba and Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, the family also instructed the singer’s partner, Wunmi Adebanjo, to stop using the Aloba surname until the outcome of a court-ordered DNA test is confirmed. The statement was sent to PUNCH Metro on Wednesday.
“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 said.
The family announced the appointment of new legal representatives to handle estate and DNA-related matters. Oladayo Ogungbe, Esq., of Ogungbe & Ogungbe Attorneys, was named as the sole legal counsel for all issues concerning the DNA case and Mohbad’s estate. Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, will continue to represent the family in communications with authorities investigating the singer’s death.
Regarding the management of Mohbad’s estate, the family appointed three administrators to oversee his assets, royalties, and intellectual property: 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 emphasized that no statutory or customary marriage took place between Mohbad and Wunmi, as the necessary Yoruba traditional rites, including the payment of bride price, were never completed. They also requested that Wunmi refrain from using the Aloba surname publicly or privately until paternity is legally verified.
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“If the DNA result confirms that the deceased fathered the child, Liam, both mother and child would be recognised within the estate administration process. We appeal to the public to remain calm and respect the judicial process. The DNA verification is not intended to vilify anyone but to ensure legal clarity and fairness,” the statement noted.
The family added that a new burial and memorial date for Mohbad will be announced once legal and family matters are resolved. “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.
Reacting to the Aloba family’s directive, Wunmi’s lawyer, Kabir Akingbolu, criticized the demand to prevent his client from using the surname, calling it illegal. Akingbolu claimed the family’s statement was misleading and pointed out repeated court-backed opportunities to conduct the DNA test had been ignored by the Aloba family.
“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 different letters to them, and they never came. They later came back with a new lawyer and asked that the DNA be done outside the country. The court again granted the order, yet they disappeared. Now, for the third time, they’ve filed another application, saying they want it done in a particular hospital abroad. We will not allow that because you cannot choose a hospital for the court. We are ready for the DNA any time, any day. The child is not a bastard, and my client has nothing to fear; she is a decent woman,” Akingbolu stated.
He further dismissed the family’s demand regarding the surname as sentimental and legally unfounded. “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. The Supreme Court, in the case of Ojukwu vs Ojukwu, held that no one has a monopoly over a surname. There are thousands of Alobas in the world. They are the ones running from the DNA. We have always been ready — even if it’s today or tomorrow, we’ll be there,” he added.
The latest development is part of the ongoing dispute between Mohbad’s family and Wunmi Adebanjo over the paternity of their son and the management of the late singer’s estate. Mohbad, a former Marlian Music signee, passed away at 27 on September 12, 2023. Following his death, the Lagos State Police Command formed a 13-man special investigation team to probe the circumstances surrounding his passing.