Legendary juju musician Dr. Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA), has dismissed viral claims by his daughter, Damilola Adegeye, that he was missing.
In a statement shared on Instagram Tuesday evening, the 78-year-old music icon confirmed he is “alive and well,” calling the rumors both false and damaging to his name and legacy.
“Contrary to the falsehood circulated by Damilola Esther Adeniyi-Adegeye and her associates, I, King Sunny Ade, am alive and safe,” he said. He also warned bloggers and individuals spreading the claims to desist or face legal consequences.
The controversy began after Damilola, who resides abroad, accused her stepbrother Dayo Adegeye of holding their father hostage and mismanaging his finances. In a series of Instagram posts, she demanded Dayo’s arrest and raised concerns over her father’s whereabouts and wellbeing.
Responding to the allegations, Dayo denied any wrongdoing, saying Damilola was not in the right frame of mind. “She spoke with Dad for about 30 minutes on Easter Sunday,” he said, adding that he is not officially KSA’s manager.
Another son, David Adegeye, also defended the family: “Daddy is fine. He just completed an event and is not under any duress.”
King Sunny Ade, born in 1946, is a pioneer of juju music with a career spanning over five decades. He was the first Nigerian artist to earn a Grammy nomination and is celebrated for blending traditional Yoruba music with modern sounds.
