Mohbad’s family bars wife from using surname, demands fresh probe into death

The family of the late musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has directed his wife Wunmi Adebanjo to henceforth using the family surname, and equally renewed call for a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Penpushing reports that by the head of the family, Omolayo Aloba, and Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba gave the directive and demand in a statement, emphasizing that Wunmi should desist from using the name pending the outcome of a court-ordered DNA test.

The family in the statement declared that it remained resolute in its demand for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death, adding that it had appointed new legal counsel for all estate and DNA-related matters.

“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 read

“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),” the statement added.

Penpushing further reports that the family addressing matters concerning Mohbad’s estate, named three administrators to manage the deceased’s assets, royalties, and intellectual property, and gave their identities as include 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.

Penpushing also reports that the family equally requested that Wunmi Adebanjo, identified as the deceased’s partner, cease using the surname Aloba 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 emphasised.

Penpushing reports that the family added that if the DNA result confirms that the deceased fathered the child, Liam, both mother and child would be recognised within the estate administration process.

The family, however, appealed to the public to remain calm and respect the judicial process, pointing out that the DNA verification was not intended to vilify anyone but to ensure legal clarity and fairness in the distribution of the estate.

Penpushing further reports that the statement in the same vein pointed out that a new burial and memorial date would be announced once legal and family 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.

Penpushing also reports that the legal representative of the late singer’s wife, Kabir Akingbolu, , however, faulted the Aloba family’s directive restraining his client, Wunmi, from using her late husband’s surname.

The lawyer who represents Wunmi in the ongoing paternity and estate-related proceedings, said the family’s statement was another attempt to mislead the public despite several court-backed opportunities to conduct the DNA test they requested.

Penpushing reports that Akingbolu explained that after the initial court order, the Aloba family allegedly withdrew from the process and changed legal representatives’ multiple times.

“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’, he said.

“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.”

Penpushing further reports that Wunmi’s lawyer in reaction to the family’s demand that his client should stop using the Aloba surname, dismissed it as illegal and sentimental, citing  constitutional backing for her right to continue bearing the name.

“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’, he stated.

‘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 lawyer emphasised.

FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or   event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email [email protected]