By Jimmy
The Elegushi Royal Family of Lagos State has denounced Samsom Erinfolami Balogun, better known as Sam Larry, the controversial socialite and ally of the singer Naira Marley.
This is coming after a petition by the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, surfaced online. In the petition, the deceased alleged that his life was under threat and sought police protection from Sam Larry and others.
Another video circulating online shows Mohbad, whose remains were laid to rest on Wednesday, being assaulted by some people allegedly led by Sam Larry during a video shoot.
Mohbad’s petition against Sam Lerry
In the petition, which surfaced online dated June 25, 2023, the late singer urged the Nigeria Police Force to protect him from Sam Larry and his team. 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’, it was addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon in Ikoyi, Lagos.
SEE: He Struggled Till Death, Mohbad’s Partner Laments
Mohbad, in the petition, claimed that video equipment valued at N5 million to be used during the shoot was destroyed.
He added that Sam Larry claimed he was working for Oba Elegushi, Saheed Ademola, and that they (Sam Larry and others) had been asked to deal with the late singer.
Full petition
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 Sam Larry 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.”
RELATED: Mohbad, 4 Other Famous Nigerian Artistes Who Died At An Early Age
Royal family denounces Sam Larry
However, in a claim in a statement on Thursday, the Elegushi royal family distanced itself from Sam Larry and his team. According to the family, Samson Balogun is not a member of the royal family and does not work for the royal family or king in any capacity.
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.”