The palace of Elegushi of Eti-Osa has distanced itself from Sam Larry, the music promoter who was allegedly involved in a violent confrontation with Mohbad, the rising star who died recently.
Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, 27, passed away on Tuesday and was buried on Wednesday.
His death sparked outrage on social media after an old video emerged showing him being harassed by Sam Larry and some men at a music video shoot with rapper Zlatan.
Zlatan had to intervene to prevent Mohbad from being hit with a stick by Larry.
A petition filed by Mohbad against Larry also surfaced online, claiming that he was threatened and assaulted by Larry and his associates, who claimed to be working for Oba Elegushi.
The petition, dated June 27, 2023, and addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, force criminal investigation department annex, Lagos, stated that about fifteen persons “led by Sam Larry Elegushi invaded the premises with dangerous arms such as guns and cutlasses” on June 25, 2023.
Mohbad said they damaged his property and boasted that they had the backing of the king.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the palace denied any connection with Larry, saying he is not a member or staff of the royal family.
The statement said Larry only visits the palace “to seek royal blessings like other members of the public” along with other celebrities, politicians, religious and community leaders.
The palace also expressed its condolences to Mohbad’s family and friends and called for a thorough investigation into the cause of his death.
The palace also called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of his death and to avoid spreading falsehood that may jeopardise the probe.
“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 read.
“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 had earlier said it will conduct a comprehensive investigation into Mohbad’s death.
