Omowunmi, the widow of late Nigerian singer and rapper Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has confirmed her willingness to undergo a Deoxyribonucleic Acid test to establish the paternity of their only son, Liam.
The PUNCH reported that this development comes in light of a lawsuit filed by Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, seeking a DNA test for his grandson.
Joseph Aloba’s legal team has sought a court order allowing them to serve Omowunmi through posting the necessary legal documents at her last known address.
However, attempts to serve her have reportedly been unsuccessful.
On July 9, 2024, during a court session in Ikorodu, Lagos State, the Magistrates Court directed both parties to pursue alternative dispute resolution methods, which ultimately did not result in an agreement.
Following these negotiations, Monisola Odumosu, a representative of the family’s legal team, announced that Wunmi has agreed to carry out the DNA test.
Odumosu stated that the settlement terms had been drafted and were ready for submission to the court.
In a recent statement, she revealed, “Emmanuel Oroko informed the court that both parties had settled outside the court and are ready to move the terms of the settlement already filed and served on Wunmi Aloba’s lawyers.”
Yhe opposing legal team, represented by Kabir Akingbolu, confirmed their concurrence with the settlement, leading the court to adopt the terms as its judgment.
As part of the settlement, Mohbad’s widow agreed to submit herself and her son, Master Liam Aloba, for the DNA test at two recognized and accredited medical facilities either within Lagos State or at an agreed-upon location outside the state.
Joseph Aloba has consented to cover all associated costs, including those related to the testing facility, sample collection, and any legal or administrative fees.
The court also mandated that the DNA test be conducted at a mutually agreed laboratory in Nigeria, with designated officials overseeing the process to ensure its integrity and reliability.
Additionally, both parties were instructed to bear their respective legal costs, excluding the expenses related to the DNA testing, which will be covered by Mohbad’s father.
Mohbad’s death at the age of 27 has been shrouded in controversy, particularly regarding the circumstances surrounding it.
He was previously signed to Marlian Music, a record label owned by Naira Marley, from which he departed in February 2022. Following his passing, which occurred on September 21, 2023, the Lagos State Police Command formed a 13-man special investigation team to probe the incident, leading to the arrest of notable figures, including Naira Marley and Lagos socialite Balogun Eletu, known as Sam Larry.
In an effort to uncover the truth, Mohbad’s body was exhumed for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
However, observers from various nations have expressed concerns about the fairness of the coroner’s inquest, highlighting issues such as potential suppression of evidence and the perceived lack of transparency during court proceedings.
These observers are advocating for truth, fairness, equity, and accountability, keeping a close watch on the proceedings in Ikorodu.
They have raised alarms over repeated adjournments and other elements that they feel compromise justice for Mohbad, particularly during the cross-examination of his widow, Omowunmi Adebanjo, when her counsel faced interruptions that hindered their ability to gather essential information.
