Lagos Royal Family Disowns Sammy Larry, NairaMarley’s Pal Who Bullied Mohbad

The Elegushi Royal Family of Lagos State has officially disassociated itself from Samson Erinfolami Balogun, widely known as Sam Larry, the controversial socialite and associate of popular musician Naira Marley.

This disassociation comes following a petition shared online by the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, in which he alleged that his life was in danger and sought police protection from Sam Larry and others.

A video circulated on the internet also depicted an incident during a video shoot where Mohbad was reportedly assaulted by individuals allegedly led by Sam Larry. The video showed Mohbad and Zlatan Ibile on set for a music video when Sam Larry and a group of individuals disrupted the shoot, targeting Mohbad. Zlatan stepped in to prevent any further assault.

In the online petition, dated June 25, 2023, Mohbad appealed to the Nigeria Police Force for protection against Sam Larry and his team, alleging threats to his life, malicious property damage worth five million Naira, assault resulting in injury, oppression, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. Mohbad stated that the video equipment valued at five million Naira was destroyed during the incident.

The petition also claimed that Sam Larry had asserted he was working on behalf of Oba Elegushi, Saheed Ademola, and that they had been instructed to deal 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.”

However, in a statement released on Thursday, the Elegushi Royal Family denied any association with Sam Larry or his team. The family clarified that Samson Balogun is not a member of the royal family and does not hold any role in the royal family or as an emissary of 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.”

The family extended condolences to the late Mohbad’s family and friends and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death to uncover any potential foul play.

They also urged the media to exercise caution and avoid spreading false information that could jeopardize the ongoing investigation.

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.”