Iyabo Ojo Regrets Advocating for Mohbad’s Exhumation Amid Ongoing Family Disputes

Popular Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has expressed regret over her advocacy for the exhumation of late singer Mohbad’s body. Speaking on the ‘Talk to B’ podcast with Biola Bayo, Iyabo opened up about her disappointment with the prolonged burial process and the controversies surrounding the singer's death investigation.

The actress, who was vocal in her demand for justice following Mohbad’s controversial death, revealed that her initial intentions were focused on uncovering the truth. She advocated for the exhumation to allow authorities to conduct a thorough autopsy and determine the cause of the singer’s death.

However, the aftermath has left her disheartened.

“I wouldn’t have requested that Mohbad be exhumed if I knew his case would turn out this way,” Iyabo admitted.

She expressed frustration over the delays caused by disputes within Mohbad’s family, particularly the insistence by his father, Joseph Aloba, on conducting a DNA test on the late singer’s son, Liam.

“He hasn’t been buried till now. His dad says he wants a DNA test done, and I heard the court has granted his request. But I heard his dad has conditions again,” she added, lamenting the focus shift from autopsy results to family matters.

Timeline of Events

Mohbad, a rising star in the Nigerian music scene, passed away on September 12, 2023, under unclear circumstances. He was buried the following day, but growing public outcry over the suspicious nature of his death led to calls for justice.

On September 21, 2023, the Lagos State Police exhumed his body for an autopsy as part of their investigations. Since then, the case has been mired in family disputes, with Mohbad’s father asserting that reburial cannot occur until a DNA test proves his son, Liam, is indeed Mohbad’s biological child.

Opinion: When Advocacy Meets Bureaucracy

Iyabo Ojo’s regret reflects a broader frustration shared by many Nigerians who followed Mohbad’s tragic story. Her intentions were noble, driven by the pursuit of justice for the young singer. However, the ensuing drama highlights systemic issues in handling high-profile cases in Nigeria, where bureaucracy, personal agendas, and legal wrangling often overshadow the core quest for justice.

1. Prolonged Justice Delays Closure:
   The ongoing delays in Mohbad’s reburial not only prolong the grief of his loved ones but also tarnish the integrity of the investigation. Justice delayed, as they say, is justice denied.

2. Family Dynamics Shouldn’t Derail Justice:
   While Joseph Aloba’s quest for clarity regarding Liam’s paternity is understandable, it should not derail the focus on unraveling the cause of Mohbad’s death. A separate legal process could have addressed the DNA question without stalling the reburial.

3. Public Advocacy Needs Better Frameworks:
   Iyabo Ojo’s advocacy for Mohbad’s case brought national attention, yet the aftermath shows the need for coordinated frameworks that prevent personal interests from undermining justice.

A Call for Resolution

Mohbad’s case has become a symbol of public outcry against injustice in Nigeria, and the prolonged disputes risk eroding public trust. Authorities must expedite the process, ensuring all parties are heard while prioritizing closure for the family and fans of the late singer.

As Iyabo Ojo’s experience reminds us, the road to justice is often fraught with challenges, but the pursuit remains worthwhile for the sake of truth and accountability.