Amid the escalating controversy surrounding the demise of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, and the paternity dispute concerning his son, Liam Aloba, the Elegushi of the Ikate Elegushi Kingdom, Lagos State, Oba Saheed Elegushi, has denied rumors implicating him as the father of the deceased singer’s child.
In a statement released through his media consultant, Deyemi Saka, and obtained by PUNCH Metro on Thursday, the monarch dismissed suggestions circulating on social media that he could be linked to the paternity of Mohbad’s son. He labeled these insinuations as a desperate attempt to tarnish his reputation by dragging him into the paternity controversy surrounding Liam.
Mohbad, who passed away at the age of 27 in September 2023, prompted widespread protests in some parts of the country following his demise, with many of his fans demanding justice for the former Marlian Records signee.
Following his death, a series of accusations and counter-accusations emerged, with some alleging that he succumbed to bullying from his former boss, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, and his associates.
Moreover, the paternity of Mohbad’s son came under scrutiny, especially after Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, insisted on a paternity test to confirm the late singer’s biological connection to his grandson.
Among the reactions to the paternity dispute was the unfounded allegation implicating Oba Elegushi in the matter. A TikToker, Oloriebimusicproduction2, posted several videos on his TikTok page, alleging potential involvement of the monarch in Mohbad’s demise.
These claims further suggested that the monarch was utilizing his influence to obstruct justice for the late singer.
In response to these various allegations, Oba Elegushi clarified that they were baseless accusations intended to tarnish his character.
The statement read, “We would like to respond to a new desperate attempt at dragging His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Elegushi, into the needless paternity dispute over the son of Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
“The widely syndicated falsehood was promoted by some persons with the underlisted profile on the social media app TikTok, namely: Oloriebimusicproduction2, PEKINS RULES, and WESTO4LIVE. Also, the same falsehood is being promoted by Auto Success Ola, Olubukola Jesse, Teni Ologo, and Tolani Ilesanmi.
“This is to inform the public that the allegation is false and a figment of the wicked imaginations of these persons.
“HRM Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, through his lawyers, has filed a petition against these persons with the Nigeria Police and other relevant security agencies in a bid to enforce his fundamental human rights and protect him from cyber bullies, while he is hopeful the Nigeria Police will collaborate with relevant international security organisations in this quest for redress.”
Oba Elegushi, while extending condolences to the family of the late singer, implored members of the public not to entangle the traditional institution in the paternity dispute.
“It must be stated emphatically that Oba Elegushi, just like many Nigerians, is saddened by the sudden demise of Mohbad, and demands a thorough investigation and a quick dispensation of justice.
“While we pray to Almighty God to grant the Alobas the immense strength to bear this painful loss, we urge people to refrain from dragging the integrity of His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Elegushi and the revered traditional institution he represents into public disrepute,” the statement noted.