THE Elegushi Royal family has, on Thursday, denied having any association with Lagos socialite, Samson Erinfolami Balogu aka Sam Larry, in light of his alleged role in the demise of Nigerian Rapper, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad.
The disassociation comes on the heels of a uncovered petition filed by the Rapper to the Nigerian Police before his death, asking the Force to safeguard his life against the threats of Naira Marley’s known companion, Sam Larry.
Mohbad passed away on Tuesday, September 12, but had rifts with the Marlian Records boss and his associates, with a video surfacing showing Larry and a couple of other men allegedly forcing their entry into a musical shot involving artistes, Zlatan and Mohbad, in a bid to assault the latter.
The petitioner addressed his petition titled, “‘Petition of threat to life, malicious damage of properties valued at the sum of Five Million Naira, assault occasioning harm, oppression and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace against Sam Larry Elegushi, Elele, Obele and others’ to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon in Ikoyi, Lagos.
In the petition dated June 25, 2023, Mohbad claimed that equipment worth N5 million was destroyed during the invasion of his shoot by Sam Larry.
Mohbad also claimed that Sam Larry had boasted of carrying out the assault on behalf of Oba Elegushi and Saheed Ademola.
“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,” the petition read.
However, the Royal family, in a statement, stressed that Samson Balogun is not a member of the royal family, neither does he work for them of the King.
“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,” the statement from the Royal family read
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has, on Thursday, promised to launch an investigation into the death of the musician.