Human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has advised music artistes and other celebrities in the entertainment industry to employ legal practitioners, financial advisors, and estate managers to help them protect their properties from predators who might want to victimise their spouses and children after their demise.
The legal practitioner said that aside from hiring a lawyer to write the will safeguarding their financial holdings, properties, and intellectual property rights, the celebrities also need to appoint a trusted individual as the executor, to ensure the spouses and children have the appropriate share of their rights.
Olajengbesi made these known in an interaction with Vanguard on Thursday, following the drama unfolding at the death of Nigerian music sensation, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as MohBad.
MohBad died on Tuesday and was buried the following day, with the death throwing his relatives into a feud over owning and distributing the estate of the deceased, according to several videos on social media.
Olajengbesi said, “The recent untimely passing of Nigerian musician Mohbad has once again highlighted the importance of celebrities taking proactive steps to safeguard their inheritance and protect their loved ones from nosy and contentious family members.
“A video in wide circulation around social media allegedly shows a group of men at the gravesite of the deceased artiste ruminating on plans to sideline his wife, and consequently his young son, from the inheritances left behind by him.
“As sad as that may be, it is the reality of human existence that makes careful planning of one’s estate (monies and properties) very important and non-negotiable.”
“As a precaution to those celebrities who continue to draw breath but are nonchalant about such matters, I’d like to briefly explore the legal and socio-economic considerations that can help them secure their legacies and ensure their wives and children are shielded from potential disputes and financial challenges after their demise.
“Right away, a fundamental step any celebrity must take in the industry is to retain the service of a lawyer. Beyond contract drafting and proofreading, any celebrity worth his salt ought to have created a legally valid will to safeguard his estate in life as much as in death for the benefit of his family.
“In this document, they can clearly articulate their wishes regarding the distribution of assets, including financial holdings, properties, and intellectual property rights. Importantly, the will should specify the beneficiaries, particularly spouses and children, and outline how assets are to be divided among them.
“Within the will, it is advisable to appoint a trusted individual as the executor. This person will be responsible for executing the instructions outlined in the will and managing the fair distribution of assets. The chosen executor should have the ability to ensure the celebrity’s wishes are carried out without bias.”
Vanguard reported how an elderly man, at MohBad’s gravesite, said his wife should not be trusted as he talked to the sympathisers, as well as his sister-in-law allegedly claimed that the deceased’s father fought his mother-in-law over a piece of land.
Speaking on the two videos and reactions of Nigerians, the lawyer said, “Trusts can also be an invaluable tool for protecting assets and controlling their distribution over time. This is especially relevant when considering the welfare of minor children or beneficiaries who may not be equipped to handle large sums of money immediately. Trusts provide a structured way to provide for loved ones while minimizing the risk of misuse or disputes.”
He advised that, “Life is dynamic, and circumstances change. Celebrities should periodically review and update their wills, particularly after significant life events like marriages, divorces, or the birth of additional children. Keeping the document current ensures that it accurately reflects their wishes.
