On Thursday, 14th September, the Elegushi Royal Family of Lagos State formally denied any affiliation with Samson Erinfolami Balogun, better recognized as Sam Larry, the controversial socialite who is a close associate of the popular musician Azeez Fashola, widely known as Naira Marley.
This development arises in response to an online petition attributed to the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, in which the deceased alleged threats to his life and requested police protection against Sam Larry and others.
In addition, a circulating online video depicted Mohbad, whose funeral took place on Wednesday, being subjected to an assault by individuals purportedly led by Sam Larry during a video shoot.
In the video, Mohbad and Zlatan Ibile were on set for a music video when Larry and his men intruded, targeting the late singer. Mohbad sought refuge with Zlatan, who intervened to prevent further harm.
The online petition, dated June 25, 2023, implored the Nigeria Police Force to shield Mohbad from Sam Larry and his men.
The petition detailed multiple allegations, including threats to life, malicious property damage totalling five million Naira, assault causing harm, oppression, and actions likely to incite a breach of peace against Sam Larry Elegushi, Elele, Obele, and others. It was addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Mohbad further stated that Sam Larry claimed to be acting on behalf of Oba Elegushi, Saheed Ademola, and asserted that they were tasked with dealing with the late singer.
The petition read:
“I of the above name and address, a law-abiding citizen and musician bring to your notice the assault and threat to my life by the above-mentioned persons.
“On 25th June 2023, while having a video shoot with another artist by the name Zlatan Ibile, the above-mentioned persons numbering about fifteen led by SamLarry Elegushi invaded the premises with dangerous arms such as guns, cutlasses, etc. where I was shooting a video and scattered the whole process of the shooting, damaged the equipment I was using for the shooting valued at five million Naira and assaulted me which I sustained injuries but I narrowly escaped.
“Attached to this petition are the said pictures. The total amount I paid for the shooting they destroyed is Eight Million Naira (8,000,000) which is non-refundable
“However, during the assault, they were boasting that they work for Oba Elegushi and that they have been asked to deal with me for reasons best known to them which to date they are still threatening to kill me if seen.
“Sir, I call on your good office to save my life from the above-mentioned persons and bring them to book. Thank you for your timely intervention.”
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In contradiction to these claims, the Elegushi Royal Family issued a statement on Thursday distancing itself from Sam Larry and his associates.
The family explicitly stated that Sam Larry is not a member of the royal family and does not work for the king.
The statement read:
“The Elegushi Royal Family of Eti-Osa wishes to put on record the misinformation on the media space involving Sanmson Erinfolami Balogun (AKA Sam Larry).
“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 place to pay homage and to the king and seek royal blessings just like other members of the public.
“While extending our condolences to the family and friends of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba (known as Mohbad), we would like to like to add our voice to the calls for a thorough investigation into circumstances surrounding his death with a view to unraveling 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.”
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