The family of the 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 issued on Tuesday and signed by the head of the family, 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, pending the outcome of a court-ordered DNA test. The statement, obtained by PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, confirmed the appointment of new legal representatives for all estate and DNA-related matters.
The statement partly read, “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.”
It added, “The Aloba family has unanimously appointed Oladayo Ogungbe, Esq., of Ogungbe & Ogungbe Attorneys, as the sole and official legal representative of the family in all matters relating to the DNA case and the estate of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba (popularly known as Mohbad).
“Furthermore, the family has also unanimously agreed that Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, of Wahab Shittu, SAN & Co., shall continue to represent the family in all engagements and communications with investigative authorities concerning the ongoing inquiry into the cause of death of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad).”
On the management of Mohbad’s estate, the family appointed Ajewole Aloba, Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Alonge Aloba as administrators to oversee his assets, royalties, and intellectual property.
“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 further requested that Wunmi cease using the Aloba surname “in public or private records until lawful confirmation of paternity is obtained and the family gives approval.”
“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 (payment of bride price) were never completed,” the statement disclosed.
It added that if the DNA result confirmed Liam as Mohbad’s son, both mother and child would be fully recognised in the estate administration.
The family also urged the public to remain calm and respect the judicial process, emphasizing that the DNA verification was meant to ensure fairness, not defamation. A new burial and memorial date, they said, would be announced once all legal matters are concluded.
“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.
When contacted, Kabir Akingbolu, the lawyer representing Wunmi, faulted the family’s directive, describing it as misleading and legally baseless.
He said the family had repeatedly stalled the DNA process despite obtaining several court orders permitting the test.
“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 said.
Reacting to the directive restraining Wunmi from using the Aloba surname, the lawyer insisted that the move was “illegal and sentimental,” arguing that she was constitutionally protected.
He said, “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.”
The renewed dispute marks another phase in the ongoing legal and family battle between the Aloba family and Wunmi Adebanjo over paternity claims and control of Mohbad’s estate.
Mohbad, a former signee of Marlian Music owned by Naira Marley, died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. His death sparked nationwide outrage and calls for justice.
In September 2023, the Lagos State Police Command set up a 13-man special investigation team to probe the circumstances surrounding his death. In 2024, the singer’s father, through his legal representatives, also approached the Ikorodu Coroner’s Court to seek clarity on the cause of death and requested a DNA test to determine the paternity of the child.
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