The Elegushi Royal Family of Lagos State on Thursday disowned Samsom Erinfolami Balogun, better known as Sam Larry, the controversial socialite and ally of singer, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley.
This is coming after a petition by the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, surfaced online, where the deceased alleged that his life was under threat and sought police protection from Sam Larry and others.
Also in a video circulating online, Mohbad, whose remains were laid to rest on Wednesday, was seen being assaulted by some people allegedly led by Sam Larry during a video shoot.
In the video, Mohbad and Zlatan Ibile, were on set for a music video when Larry stormed the scene with some boys targeting the late singer.
He (Mohbad) later scampered to safety with Zlatan preventing Sam Larry and others from assaulting the late singer.
However, in the petition that surfaced online and dated June 25, 2023, the late singer urged the Nigeria Police Force to protect him from Sam Larry and his team.
The 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’, was addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Mohbad, in the petition, claimed that the video equipment valued at N5 million being used during the shoot were 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.
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.”
But debunking the 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.”