The ongoing dispute between Omowunmi, the widow of late Nigerian artist Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, and the singer’s father, Joseph Aloba, has taken a contentious turn. The disagreement centers on a Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) test to confirm the paternity of the son Omowunmi had with Mohbad.
During a July 9, 2024, sitting at the Magistrates Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, the court directed both parties to explore an Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism. Unfortunately, closed-door negotiations did not result in an agreement. Mohbad’s father had initially filed the suit to request the DNA test for his grandson.
Settlement Efforts and Stalemate
According to a statement from the family’s legal representative, Monisola Odumosu, in October 2024, Omowunmi agreed to the DNA test. Settlement terms were drafted by both parties, and the court mandated that the DNA test be conducted at a mutually agreed-upon medical facility in Nigeria. Officers were appointed to supervise the process to ensure the test’s integrity.
However, friction arose when both parties could not agree on a facility. Omowunmi rejected Mohbad’s father’s suggestion of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, citing concerns raised in court. Similarly, Mohbad’s father opposed Omowunmi’s choice of Lagoon Hospitals. Omowunmi’s legal team proposed The Eko Hospital and Reddington Hospitals as neutral options in a letter dated December 11, 2024, but received no response.
Legal Teams Address Media Allegations
The impasse deepened when Mohbad’s father’s legal representative, Mr. Taiwo Odumosu, was alleged to have accused Omowunmi on social media of stalling the DNA test. In a letter dated January 9, 2025, signed by Omowunmi’s lawyer Kabir Akingbolu of Salawu Akingbolu Chambers, the widow denounced these claims and demanded an apology.
The letter also addressed defamatory statements allegedly made by Mohbad’s father about the child, portraying him as illegitimate. Omowunmi criticized these actions as unacceptable, particularly given the court’s directive for a DNA test.
Threats of Independent Action
Expressing frustration over delays, Omowunmi’s legal team threatened to proceed with the DNA test independently and publicly share the results if Mohbad’s father continued to delay the matter. The letter concluded with a plea for timely action to avoid further complications.
Mohbad’s Father Responds, Legal Team Withdraws
In a response dated January 11, 2025, Emmanuel Oroko of Hillceetee Partners, representing Mohbad’s father, denied that Mr. Odumosu accused Omowunmi of unwillingness to conduct the test. Instead, Oroko clarified that delays were due to the hospitals’ lack of readiness to facilitate the DNA test.
The letter also announced that Hillceetee Partners would cease representing Mohbad’s father in the case, emphasizing their respect for the professionalism displayed by all involved parties.
A Case in Limbo
As of now, the dispute remains unresolved, with both parties entrenched in their positions. The outcome of the DNA test, seen as pivotal to the resolution of this family dispute, hangs in the balance. The case underscores the complexities of family dynamics and the critical role of effective legal representation in sensitive matters.
