The family of late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has asked his widow, Wunmi, to stop using the ‘Aloba’ surname, while insisting that she must conduct a DNA test to prove the paternity of her son.
The family, in a statement jointly signed by the Head of the Aloba family and Principal member of the family, Adedara Aloba and Joseph Aloba, respectively, on Monday, noted that the decision was made to ensure that justice is served, the truth uncovered, and those responsible held accountable.
To resolve the 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 of the Estate.
The family noted that one position has been reserved for Mohbad’s widow, Miss Cynthia Wunmi Adebanjo, if a court-ordered DNA test lawfully confirms that her son, Liam, is 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 family also directed the administrators to take appropriate steps through the counsel to recover and protect the singer’s musical royalties, earnings, and intellectual-property rights, including his estate.
The statement read in part: “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 the sole and official legal representative of the family in all matters relating to the DNA case and the Estate of the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji 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 Promise Oladimeji Aloba (Mohbad).”
The family, however, stated that a new burial date and memorial plan for Mohbad would be announced in due course, after the completion of all internal and legal processes regarding the DNA matter.
