The family of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has escalated its legal battle with his widow, Wunmi Adebanjo, by publicly demanding she stop using the Aloba surname and formally appointing lawyers to oversee a court-ordered DNA test for his son, Liam.
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the family head, Omolayo Aloba, and Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, the family reaffirmed its commitment to a "transparent, independent, and comprehensive investigation" into the singer's tragic death. They have appointed two separate legal teams: one for the death investigation and another solely for the DNA and estate matters.
The family stated that until a DNA test confirms the paternity of the child named Liam, Wunmi is not permitted to use the Aloba name. “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.
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Furthermore, the family has moved to take control of the late singer's estate, naming three administrators—Ajewole Aloba, Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Alonge Aloba—to manage his assets, royalties, and intellectual property. They have, however, left one slot open for Wunmi, but with a strict condition.
The statement read, “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 appealed for public calm, insisting the DNA verification is for "legal clarity and fairness."
However, Wunmi's lawyer, Kabir Akingbolu, has fiercely contested the family's claims. He accused the Aloba family of being the ones delaying the DNA process despite securing 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,” Akingbolu stated.
In response to the demand for Wunmi to stop using the Aloba surname, Akingbolu was dismissive. “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 constitutional backing and a Supreme Court precedent. He affirmed that his client is ready for the DNA test “any time, any day.”
This public clash marks the latest chapter in the ongoing dispute since Mohbad's death in September 2023, keeping the quest for justice and the battle over his estate in the national spotlight.
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