The family of late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has directed his wife, Wunmi Adebanjo, to stop using the Aloba surname.
The family also renewed calls for a transparent investigation into the singer’s mysterious death.
In a statement signed by Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, and the family head, Omolayo Aloba, the family said it would no longer recognise Wunmi as a member of the Aloba household until a court-ordered DNA test confirms the paternity of her son, Liam.
The statement read in part, “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 family announced the appointment of Oladayo Ogungbe, Esq., as its official legal representative for all DNA and estate matters.
It added that Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, would continue to represent the family in dealings with investigators handling the singer’s death probe.
They also disclosed that three administrators: Ajewole Aloba, Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Alonge Aloba — had been selected to manage the late singer’s estate, royalties, and intellectual property. The family said a slot would be reserved for Wunmi only if the DNA result confirms her son’s paternity.
According to the family, Wunmi must immediately stop using the Aloba name in public or private records. It maintained that “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 family also assured the public that it was not out to embarrass anyone but only seeking fairness and legal clarity. It noted that a new burial date and memorial for the late artist would be announced once all legal and family matters are settled.
Meanwhile, Wunmi’s lawyer, Kabir Akingbolu, has dismissed the family’s statement, describing it as unlawful and misleading. He said the family had repeatedly failed to appear for the DNA test despite multiple court orders.
“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,” Akingbolu stated. He added that his client is ready for the test “any time, any day” and insisted that “nobody can stop her from bearing Aloba.”
Akingbolu further said the constitution protects her right to retain the name, adding that the family’s claims are sentimental.
This latest disagreement adds to the ongoing tension between Mohbad’s family and his widow over the paternity of their son and the control of the late singer’s assets.
Mohbad, a former signee of Marlian Music, died on September 12, 2023, at age 27, under controversial circumstances.
Politics Nigeria reports that the Lagos Police Command had earlier set up a 13-man team to investigate his death.
It could be recalled that in 2024, Mohbad’s father had approached the coroner’s court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, to demand a full inquiry into his son’s death and requested a DNA test to determine the child’s paternity.