Omowunmi, widow of the late Nigerian singer Mohbad (Ilerioluwa Aloba), has publicly added her late husband’s surname to her name, defying a family directive that sought to prevent her from doing so.
The Aloba family, led by patriarch Joseph Aloba and family head Omolayo Aloba, had issued a statement instructing Wunmi to refrain from using the surname in public or on official documents until the results of a court-ordered DNA test are confirmed. The family emphasized that no statutory or Yoruba customary marriage had taken place, as Mohbad’s bride price was never paid.
Despite the directive, Wunmi introduced herself as “Wunmi Aloba” in an Instagram story on Thursday, November 13, urging support for her child, Liam.
The family also named three administrators — Ajewole Aloba, Rasaq Famuyiwa, and Alonge Aloba — to manage Mohbad’s estate, including his assets, royalties, and intellectual property. They added that, if the DNA test confirms Liam is Mohbad’s son, both mother and child would be formally recognized in the estate process.
Wunmi’s legal counsel, Kabir Akingbolu, criticized the family’s order, calling it “illegal and sentimental.” He stated that Wunmi has the constitutional right to continue using her late husband’s surname, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in Ojukwu vs Ojukwu, which affirmed that no individual has exclusive rights to a surname.
“Aloba is the name given to her by her husband, and the law protects her right to keep it,” Akingbolu said. “The family is the one avoiding the DNA test. We have always been ready — today, tomorrow, or any day.”