Afrobeats superstar Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, has announced that he is withdrawing his custody case involving his daughter, Imade Adeleke, expressing frustration over developments during court proceedings.
In a post shared on X late Friday, Davido clarified that he never sought full custody of Imade.
“I never asked for full custody … I asked for joint custody. Nobody won, nobody lost but Imade … so I don’t know why some people are celebrating. There’s nothing to celebrate,” he wrote.
The singer said he decided to discontinue the matter after the courtroom exchanges took a distressing turn.
“I’ve decided to drop the case because … until she brought out her last card! MY DECEASED SON! THAT’S A NO NO! Lowest blow!” he added.
He concluded his post with a note for his daughter: “My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her … let’s move on. One love!”
On his Instagram story, Davido intensified his criticism of the opposing counsel, writing: “I disgraced you in the courtroom … I was teaching you your work … and then went on to mention my son. Like I said in the courtroom, I pray you never go through what me and my wife have gone through ever.”
The announcement came after social media buzz following reports of tension at the Lagos State High Court in Yaba. Lagos-based legal practitioner Maruf Muhammed drew attention to the courtroom drama on X: “Davido in High Court, Yaba now! Come and see drama in court. The lawyer made 001 lose his patience during cross-examination o! Be you never so high, the law is above you,” he tweeted.
When questioned, another user confirmed that the matter involved “his daughter, Imade’s custody.”
Davido had filed an originating motion before the Lagos State High Court seeking joint custody of Imade Adeleke. In the suit, marked LD/1587PMC/2024 and dated April 17, 2024, he requested an order granting joint custody or, alternatively, “unfettered and unrestricted access” to his daughter.
The motion was supported by a 44-paragraph affidavit in which the singer affirmed his commitment to Imade’s welfare despite the end of his relationship with her mother, Sophia Momodu.
“It is on record that I have been responsible for the payment of all the school fees of my daughter to provide her with the best education possible and to meet all her educational needs without a hitch,” he stated.
The custody dispute has lingered despite recent public appearances suggesting a calmer co-parenting arrangement. Imade was recently seen spending time with Davido following her success in a talent contest, a moment that drew positive reactions from fans online.
