The 17th Headies Awards held on Sunday, April 27, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, was filled with emotions.
However, one of the most touching moments of the night came from Omowunmi, wife of the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Mohbad posthumously received two major awards: Best Street-hop Artiste of the Year and the Viewer’s Choice award for his collaboration with Chike on the song “Egwu.”
Meanwhile, Omowunmi’s appearance on stage to accept these awards was a reminder of the lasting impact Mohbad’s music had and the importance of doing well while alive.
In a voice filled with grace and deep emotion, Omowunmi delivered a heartfelt tribute that moved many to tears.
Moreover, she stressed that she would never refer to Mohbad as her “late husband” because, to her, he lives on through their son, Liam.
“Although Mohbad isn’t here with us anymore, he lives on,” she said during her touching speech.
“I don’t like to address him as my late husband cause he lives forever, especially through our son Liam.”
Furthermore, Omowunmi expressed hope that Liam, though too young to understand now, would one day recognize his father’s greatness.
She added, “Although he may be too young to grasp the depth of his father’s greatness, I know, and I believe that one day, he will know.”
On behalf of her family and the Imonelization community, she thanked the organizers for honoring Mohbad’s legacy.
“On behalf of myself, my son Liam, my husband’s immediate younger brother Adura, and the rest of the Imonelization family, we want to specially thank you for this award,” Omowunmi stated.
In addition, she expressed deep gratitude to the Headies for keeping Mohbad’s light shining.
“Thank you so much Headies. Thank you for shining a light on my husband. Thank you for honouring his memory and legacy. It means so much to me, his son and the entire Imonelization,” she said.
Mohbad’s posthumous recognition, therefore, is a testament that doing your best in life leaves a mark that continues even after you are gone.
Meanwhile, her tribute at the event became not just a moment of mourning but also a celebration of a life that touched many.
