The family of late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has asked his widow, Wunmi, to stop using the ‘Aloba’ surname and to conduct a DNA test to confirm the paternity of her son.
In a statement jointly signed by the Head of the Aloba family, Adedara Aloba, and a principal member, Joseph Aloba, on Monday, the family said the decision was made to ensure justice, uncover the truth, and hold those responsible accountable.
To establish a lawful structure for managing all matters relating to Mohbad’s estate, the family appointed Samuel Ajewole Aloba, Engr. Ayodele Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Mrs. Alonge Ibukun Oluwaseun Aloba as administrators.
They noted that one position has been reserved for Mohbad’s widow, Miss Cynthia Wunmi Adebanjo, if a court-ordered DNA test confirms that her son, Liam, is indeed the biological child of the late singer.
“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 statement read.
The administrators were also directed to take appropriate steps through legal counsel to recover and protect the singer’s royalties, earnings, and intellectual property rights.
The statement added: “For the avoidance of doubt, no statutory or customary marriage was contracted between the late Mohbad and Cynthia Wunmi Adebanjo, as the required Yoruba traditional rites (payment of bride price) were never completed.
“While acknowledging that an introduction took place and plans for marriage existed, the family formally requests that Cynthia Wunmi Adebanjo cease using the surname ‘Aloba’ in public or private records until lawful confirmation of paternity is obtained and the family gives approval.
“Nonetheless, if the DNA test confirms that Liam is Mohbad’s son, the family will recognise both mother and child within the estate administration process.”
The family also announced the appointment of Oladayo Ogungbe, Esq., of Ogungbe & Ogungbe Attorneys, as its sole legal representative in all matters relating to the DNA case and Mohbad’s estate.
They added that Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), of Wahab Shittu & Co., would continue representing the family in all engagements with investigative authorities regarding the ongoing inquiry into Mohbad’s death.
A new burial date and memorial plan, the family said, would be announced after the completion of all internal and legal processes surrounding the DNA matter.
