By Latiifah Amusan
In a recent interview with Joseph Aloba, the father of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, the reasons behind the swift burial of the young artist have been clarified.
Mohbad tragically passed away on September 12, 2023, and was laid to rest the next day, a move that stirred controversy.
Mr. Aloba shed light on the cultural significance of this decision, explaining that Yoruba tradition does not endorse the practice of keeping a deceased person’s body when both parents are still alive.
He elaborated on how if Mohbad had passed away at an older age, the possibility of preserving his body in a mortuary for a later date might have been considered.
Moreover, Aloba revealed that the burial site chosen was owned by Mohbad himself, who had generously given it to him to construct a church.
He emphasized that the decision to proceed with the swift burial aligns with Yoruba customs, stating,
“In Yoruba land, his corpse is not the kind to be kept when both of his parents are still alive.”
Aloba further added,
“That land where Mohbad was buried is his only land, that is the only land I know him to have owned. Truly he gave me the land to build my church because we had both agreed to build the church there, and since that’s the only land I knew him to have.”
Notably, Mohbad was a former signee of Marlian Music, owned by Afeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, but he parted ways with the label in February 2022.
In response to Mohbad’s passing, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has extended an invitation to the Department of Security Services to participate in the investigation concerning the late singer.
Meanwhile, the management of Mohbad has announced a candlelight procession and tribute night to honor the late artist, scheduled for Thursday.
