DNA : Mohbad’s family restrains widow from using their surname

The family of late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has barred his widow, Omowunmi, from using their surname until the result of a court-ordered DNA test determines the paternity of their son, Liam.

The family’s decision adds a fresh chapter to the lingering controversy surrounding Mohbad’s tragic death on September 12, 2023.

Mohbad died after allegedly receiving an injection from an auxiliary nurse, an incident that sparked widespread outrage and led to the police exhuming his remains for an autopsy. However, in May 2024, pathologists announced that they could not ascertain the cause of death due to the body’s decomposition, stalling the investigation.

In a statement signed by family head Omolayo Aloba and Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, the family insisted that Omowunmi was never formally married to the late musician.

“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 read in part.

The family stated that Omowunmi is prohibited from using the Aloba name “both publicly and privately” until the DNA test confirms whether Liam is Mohbad’s biological child.

Reiterating their demand for justice, the Alobas also called for a “fresh, independent, and comprehensive” probe into the circumstances of the singer’s death.

“The Aloba family remains resolute in its demand for a transparent, independent, and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death,” the statement added. “The family is committed to seeing that justice is served, the truth uncovered, and those responsible held accountable.”

The family also announced the appointment of Oladayo Ogungbe, of Ogungbe & Ogungbe Attorneys, as their sole legal representative for the DNA matter and Mohbad’s estate. Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) will continue representing them in dealings with investigative authorities.

“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),” the statement said.

“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).”

In addition, three administrators Ajewole Aloba, Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Alonge Aloba have been appointed to oversee the singer’s assets, royalties, and intellectual property.

According to the statement, if the DNA test confirms Liam as Mohbad’s biological son, both the child and his mother will be included in the estate’s administration process.

“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 stated.

“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 family added that a new date for the singer’s burial and memorial would be announced once all legal and family matters have been resolved.