Mohbad’s Family Renews Demand for Independent Probe, Orders DNA Test Before Partner Can Use ‘Aloba’ Name

The family of the late Afrobeats star Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad, has renewed calls for a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the family also directed the late singer’s partner, Wunmi Adebanjo, to stop using the Aloba surname until a court-ordered DNA test confirms the paternity of her son, Liam.

The statement, signed by Omolayo Aloba, the family head, and Joseph Aloba, Mohbad’s father, emphasized their determination to pursue justice.

“The Aloba family remains resolute in its demand for a transparent, independent, and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death,” the statement read.

“The family is committed to seeing that justice is served, the truth uncovered, and those responsible held accountable.”

The family announced that Barrister Oladayo Ogungbe has been appointed to represent them in all matters relating to the DNA test and the late singer’s estate. At the same time, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) will continue to liaise with authorities on the ongoing death inquiry.

Three administrators, Ajewole Aloba, Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Alonge Aloba, have been appointed to oversee Mohbad’s estate, including his royalties, bank accounts, properties, and intellectual property rights.

The family added that a position has been reserved for Wunmi Adebanjo among the estate administrators, contingent on DNA confirmation of Liam’s paternity.

“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 clarified.

They also asserted that no formal marriage took place between Mohbad and Wunmi, claiming that traditional rites and bride-price payments were never completed.

“Ms. Adebanjo should refrain from using the Aloba surname until paternity is legally established,” the family said, insisting the directive was for legal clarity, not malice.

The family also stated that a new date for Mohbad’s burial and memorial would be announced after pending legal issues are resolved.

Wunmi’s Legal Team Responds

Reacting to the family’s statement, Kabir Akingbolu, counsel for Wunmi Adebanjo, accused the Alobas of misleading the public and stalling the DNA process they themselves requested.

“They were the ones who went to court to demand a DNA test. The court granted the order, but they refused to show up,” Akingbolu alleged.

“We wrote four different letters, and they never came. They later came back with a new lawyer and asked that the DNA be done outside the country.”

According to him, even after the court approved an international DNA test, the family again failed to proceed.
In a separate statement, Taiwo Akingbolu, another lawyer representing Wunmi, reaffirmed her readiness to undergo the test.

“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,” he stated.

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Akingbolu also criticized the family’s order restricting the use of the Aloba surname, calling it “illegal and sentimental.”

“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,” he said, citing Supreme Court precedent.

Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances that triggered nationwide outrage and demands for justice. The Lagos State Police Command established a 13-member special investigation team to probe the case.

The 27-year-old singer, formerly signed to Naira Marley’s Marlian Music, left the label in early 2022 amid internal disputes.

Earlier this year, Mohbad’s father filed a request at the Ikorodu Coroner’s Court seeking a formal inquest into his son’s death and an order for a DNA test to determine Liam’s paternity, a matter that remains unresolved.