Emotional Moment at the 2025 Headies: Wunmi Passes Mohbad's Award to Son Liam in Heartfelt Tribute

The 2025 Headies Awards, held on Sunday, April 27, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, was an event filled with emotional tributes, particularly when Omowunmi, the wife of the late Nigerian music star Mohbad, took the stage to accept two posthumous awards on his behalf. The ceremony saw a tearful moment when Omowunmi, surrounded by family, proudly handed over the accolades to their young son, Liam, embodying the enduring legacy of Mohbad’s impactful career.

Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, was posthumously awarded two major honors at the prestigious event: Best Street Music (Street-hop Artiste) of the Year and the Viewer’s Choice award for his hit song “Egwu,” a collaboration with Chike. These awards, a testament to his talent and influence, were presented in recognition of the groundbreaking contribution he made to the Nigerian music industry before his untimely passing.

The moment that moved many to tears came when Omowunmi, full of grace and emotion, took the stage to speak about her late husband’s legacy. In a heartfelt tribute, she emphasized her refusal to refer to Mohbad as her “late husband” because, to her, he was far from gone. In her eyes, Mohbad’s presence lives on through their son, Liam, who, although too young to understand his father’s monumental influence, will one day grow to appreciate the magnitude of his father's greatness.

“I refuse to say my late husband because he lives forever,” Omowunmi said, her voice thick with emotion as she addressed the crowd. “He lives on through our son, Liam. Although he may be too young to grasp the depth of his father’s greatness right now, I believe that one day, he will know.”

Her words resonated deeply with the audience, who witnessed the raw emotion of a woman cherishing the memory of her husband and striving to ensure his legacy is kept alive for their son. Omowunmi, standing strong for her family, expressed her gratitude to the Headies for honoring Mohbad’s memory.

“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 continued. “Although Mohbad isn’t here with us anymore, he lives on. Thank you so much, Headies. Thank you for shining a light on my husband, for honoring his memory, and for keeping his legacy alive. It means so much to me, to his son, and to the entire Imonelization family.”

The speech was a powerful reminder of the everlasting bond between Omowunmi, her son, and the memory of Mohbad. As the audience witnessed her words, it was clear that Mohbad’s music and influence continue to resonate with millions, even in his absence.

The posthumous recognition of Mohbad at the 2025 Headies Awards highlights not only his musical achievements but also the enduring power of his artistry in the hearts of his fans. As Omowunmi proudly handed the awards to Liam, she made sure to emphasize the importance of passing down his father’s story and legacy, ensuring that his impact would be remembered for generations to come.

The entire event left a lasting impression, with the deep love Omowunmi expressed for her husband and the respect she held for his work. The tribute was a beautiful affirmation of how an artist's work can transcend time, with their influence living on in their loved ones and their art.

Though Mohbad may no longer be physically with us, his music and legacy live on through the tears and pride of his family, fans, and everyone who has been touched by his craft. As Omowunmi said, “He lives forever.” And with that powerful sentiment, Mohbad’s presence will continue to resonate in the Nigerian music scene and beyond, leaving a legacy that no passing can ever diminish.

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