Joseph Aloba, the father of the late Nigerian music sensation Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, has refuted allegations that he is attempting to manipulate the ongoing DNA testing process involving his grandson, Liam. Through a statement released by his legal counsel, Oladayo Ogungbe, Aloba asserted that his primary objective is to ensure a fair, transparent, and credible procedure.
Aloba emphasized that he was the one who initially requested the DNA test and has never tried to obstruct or influence the results, contrary to recent claims.
“It is important to note that it was Joseph Aloba who initiated the DNA application from the start.”
“At no point has he sought to derail, delay, or manipulate the process. Instead, his more recent application, filed through his counsel, Oladayo Ogungbe, aimed to guarantee transparency, neutrality, and court-supervised integrity in the collection, handling, and analysis of DNA samples.”
“This clarification is necessary because the press release by the respondent’s counsel falsely suggests ulterior motives,” the statement clarified.
According to the statement, Aloba’s petition to the court seeks to have the DNA test carried out in internationally recognized laboratories located in the United States and the United Kingdom. He has offered to cover the costs himself, with samples from both the late singer and Master Liam Aloba collected under strict court supervision.
Ogungbe also highlighted that the coroner’s inquest into Mohbad’s death, including an inconclusive autopsy report and the laboratory’s denial of receiving crucial samples, justifies the need for internationally supervised testing. The statement further explained that these measures are intended to ensure transparency, with all parties present during the collection and transfer of samples.
Key Points of Joseph Aloba’s Position:
- Commitment to Transparency: Mr. Joseph Aloba remains dedicated to a fair and transparent DNA process overseen by the court.
- Adherence to the Law: He will continue to act in accordance with the law and in pursuit of the truth, which is essential not only for himself but also for the memory of his late son.
- Call for Verified Information: The applicant urges the public to rely on verified court proceedings, not on speculative narratives crafted to mislead.
- Confidence in the Court: “We remain confident in the wisdom of the Honourable Court and look forward to the proper resolution of this matter,” the statement added.
Background of the Case
In November, it was reported that Mohbad’s family renewed its call for a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. In a statement signed by the head of the family, Omolayo Aloba, and Joseph Aloba, the family also directed Mohbad’s partner, Wunmi Adebanjo, to refrain from using the family surname, Aloba, pending the outcome of a court-ordered DNA test.
This dispute underscores the ongoing tensions between the late singer’s family and his widow regarding the paternity of their son and the management of Mohbad’s estate.
Mohbad’s Untimely Death and Subsequent Investigation
Mohbad, whose birth name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, tragically passed away at the age of 27 on September 12, 2023. Following his death, the Lagos State Police Command established a 13-member special investigation team to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding his passing.
Earlier in 2024, Aloba, through his legal representatives, submitted an application to the coroner’s court in Ikorodu to ascertain the cause of Mohbad’s death. He later requested a DNA test to resolve the paternity dispute. The demand for an internationally supervised DNA test represents the latest development in this complex and emotionally charged case.
