It was a deeply emotional moment at the 17th Headies Award night held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, when Omowunmi, wife of the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba alias Mohbad, mounted the stage to receive awards on behalf of her late husband.
He was a man whose untimely demise shook the nation. Best Street Music (Street-Hop Artiste) of the Year and Viewer’s Choice Award for “Egwu”, a collaboration with Chike, to the bitter sweet memory of the lasting impression Mohbad made in his lifetime, however short and traumatic it may seem.
Omowunmi was all composed yet teary-eyed as she began reminiscing, with an emotional rendition that got many in tears. She thanked everyone present using several heartfelt words and garnished her speech by stating that she would not refer to Mohbad as her “late husband,” as he lives, particularly through their little son, Liam.
“On behalf of myself, my son Liam, my husband’s immediate younger brother Adura, and the entire Imonelization family, we want to specially thank you for this award,” she said.
She stressed her words through choked emotions saying,
“Although Mohbad isn’t here with us anymore, he lives on. I don’t like to address him as my late husband because he lives forever, especially through our son Liam.
Although Liam is still too young to understand the full depth of his father’s greatness, I believe that one day he will realize how much impact his father made.
Thank you so much, Headies, for shining a light on my husband. Thank you for honoring his memory and his legacy. It means so much to me, our son, and the entire Imonelization family.”
The whole touching tribute by Omowunmi serves as an eloquent reminder that Mohbad’s voice, spirit, and music live on to inspire today, tomorrow, and forever.
Here’s a video of the memorable moment…
Mohbad's Wife and his son, Liam receives his award for Best Street Artist..
— 𝔸b𝕒𝕫𝕫 (@abazwhyllzz) April 28, 2025
Emotional moment🤍🤍 #headies2025 pic.twitter.com/g23ZCyqISQ
