Elegushi disowns Sam Larry, calls for probe into Mohbad’s death

The palace of Elegushi of Eti-Osa says Sam Larry, the music promoter, is not a member or staff of the royal family.

The development comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding the death of Mohbad, the fast-rising singer.

Mohbad, born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, 27, passed away on Tuesday and was laid to rest on Wednesday.

Shortly after his death, an old video surfaced on social media showing the singer being chased away from a music video shoot with Zlatan, the rapper.

In the footage, Sam Larry and some men visited the scene of the shoot and demanded that Mohbad be sent out.

It took the intervention of Zlatan to ensure Mohbad was not hit with what appeared to be a stick from Larry.

A copy of the petition filed by the late singer against Larry alleging threat to his life and damage of property also surfaced on social media.

In the petition, dated June 27, 2023, and addressed to the assistant inspector-general of police, force criminal investigation department annex, Lagos, Mohbad said about fifteen persons “led by Sam Larry Elegushi invaded the premises with dangerous arms such as guns and cutlasses”.

The late singer said he was attacked at a video shoot on June 25, 2023.

Mohbad, in the petition, said during the assault, “they were boasting that they work for Oba Elegushi and that they have been asked to deal with me”.

But in a statement on Thursday, the palace said Larry is not a member of the royal family.

The statement added that the music promoter visits the palace “to seek royal blessings like other members of the public”.

The palace also called on the police to thoroughly investigate the case to determine the cause of Mohbad’s death.

“The Elegushi Royal Family of Eti-Osa wishes to put on record the misinformation on the media space involving Samson Erinfolami Balogun (AKA Sam Larry),” the statement reads.

“Samson Balogun is not a member of the royal family and does not work for the royal family or king in any capacity.

“Like other celebrities, politicians, religious and community leaders, he visits the palace to pay homage to the king and seek royal blessings just like other members of the public.

“While extending our condolences to the family and friends of late Ilerioluwa Aloba (known as MohBad), we would like to add our voice to the calls for a thorough investigation into circumstances surrounding his death, with a view to unravelling any foul play.

“We ask our friends in the media to be mindful of the sensitivity of the issue and desist from spreading falsehood that may jeopardise this investigation.”

The police earlier said it will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the death of Mohbad.