In a heated public clarification that’s reignited the flames of controversy surrounding the late Afrobeats star Mohbad’s quest for justice, the singer’s father, Joseph Aloba, has vehemently denied any familial or romantic connection to prominent advocate Rich Grace. The 61-year-old patriarch addressed a damaging audio clip circulating online, where a woman purporting to be his sister accused him of an illicit affair with Grace, a married justice campaigner who’s been a fixture at coroner’s court sessions since Mohbad’s tragic death in September 2023.
Speaking in a raw, emotional video shared across social media platforms on Saturday, Aloba distanced himself from the accuser, stating, “I want to tell the public that the woman in the audio is not my biological sister. I only knew her through Justice for Mohbad. She has been doing so many things to destroy my family. I sent the audio to her, and she said she was only protecting me from evil.” He further emphasized that the idea of any romantic involvement with Rich Grace—a devoted mother of three who’s attended every hearing without fail—“has never crossed my mind,” issuing a stern warning to rumormongers: “People need to be very careful with the lies they spread so they don’t inherit generational problems after Justice for Mohbad.”
The scandal erupted earlier this week when the audio leaked, amplifying existing tensions in the #JusticeForMohbad movement. Rich Grace, often hailed as “Mummy Rich” by fans for her tireless advocacy, has been a polarizing figure. Supporters praise her for providing logistical support to Mohbad’s family and widow Omowunmi, including funding trips to court and amplifying the family’s grievances against alleged industry bullies like Naira Marley and Sam Larry. Critics, however, have accused her of overstepping boundaries, with whispers of financial impropriety in the campaign’s GoFundMe drives—claims Aloba himself debunked earlier this year amid embezzlement rumors.
Aloba’s revelation has split online reactions, with #JusticeForMohbad trending anew on X and Instagram. Fans of the late singer, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, expressed heartbreak over the infighting: “This is why justice is delayed—family drama distracting from the real culprits,” one user lamented, while another defended Grace: “Mummy Rich has been there from day one; don’t let haters tear down the movement.” Detractors piled on Aloba, dredging up past family disputes, including his push for a DNA test on Mohbad’s young son Liam and custody battles with Omowunmi.
The coroner’s inquest, which wrapped in July with recommendations for prosecuting the nurse linked to Mohbad’s fatal injection, exposed layers of neglect from family, police, and the music industry. Yet, a year on, unresolved probes into bullying and foul play continue to fuel public outrage. Aloba’s plea underscores the personal toll, as he balances grief with scrutiny. “Rich Grace is a married woman who put her all into this fight,” he added, calling for unity. Grace has yet to respond publicly, but allies hint at a forthcoming statement to refocus on the legal battles ahead.
As Mohbad’s one-year remembrance approaches next month, this audio fallout serves as a grim reminder of how internal rifts can undermine a collective cry for accountability. Will Aloba’s denial mend fences, or deepen the divides? The #JusticeForMohbad faithful remain vigilant, demanding closure beyond the headlines.