Nigerian singer Davido has announced that he is withdrawing his custody suit over his daughter, Imade Adeleke, stating that he only sought joint custody and not full control of the child.
In posts shared on X and Instagram, the artiste, whose full name is David Adeleke, wrote, “Never asked for full custody … I asked for joint custody.” He added, “Nobody won, nobody lost but Imade … so I don’t know why some people are celebrating. There’s nothing to celebrate.” He further stated, “My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her … let’s move on.”
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official confirmation from the Lagos State High Court that the suit has been formally withdrawn.
The announcement followed tensions that played out in court and online. During proceedings at the Family Court sitting in Yaba, Lagos, references were reportedly made to Davido’s late son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, who died in 2022. Davido later described the mention as “a lowest blow,” saying it contributed to his decision to step back from the case.
He publicly criticised the lawyer representing Imade’s mother, Ebelechukwu Egeonu Enedah, accusing her of escalating the dispute. In one of his posts, he wrote, “I disgraced you in the courtroom … I was teaching you your work … you couldn’t even take it, and then went on to mention my son.” The lawyer has not issued a public response.
In a related development, Davido mistakenly directed criticism at gospel singer Tosin Bee, apparently confusing him with the lawyer because of a name similarity. In his post, Davido wrote, “And she has a son. Tosin you will live long amen with the rubbish you dey sing… Useless people.”
Tosin Bee responded publicly, distancing himself from the dispute. He wrote, “Hello Mr David, I don’t know anything about the post you made. As a matter of fact, my mum went to be with the Lord eight years ago.” He added in a separate message, “I guess this is a case of mistaken identity. So sorry you had to deal with this, but my prayers are with you. I love you brother.”
The custody case began on 17 April 2024 when Davido filed a suit at the Lagos State High Court seeking joint custody and unrestricted access to Imade, who was born in 2015. At a hearing on 5 July 2024 before Justice Bashua in Yaba, both parties were present.
Davido’s legal team, including Dr Olaniyi Arije and Okey Barrah, told the court that he had consistently paid school fees and covered other expenses, including transportation and accommodation for the child.
Imade’s mother, Sophia Momodu, disputed those claims, alleging that Davido had not met his financial obligations for a period of about two years and that she had been responsible for rent, healthcare, travel and other daily expenses.
During one of the court appearances, lawyer Maruf Mohammed wrote on X that Davido became upset during cross-examination, stating that the singer lost his patience while being questioned and that his father was present in court.
The matter remains before the court pending formal confirmation of the reported withdrawal.
