Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced the withdrawal of his joint custody application for his daughter, Imade, expressing profound frustration over the recent court proceedings.
The singer clarified his legal position on X late Friday, stating he had never sought full custody, but rather joint custody. “I never asked for full custody … I asked for joint custody. Nobody won, nobody lost, but Imade … so I don’t know why some pple r celebrating. There’s nothing to celebrate,” he wrote.
Davido revealed his decision to discontinue the matter stemmed from a distressing turn in the courtroom exchange. He alleged the opposing counsel used the memory of his deceased son as a tactical move. “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 stated.
He concluded his remarks on the issue with a defiant message: “My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her … let’s move on. One love!”
In a stronger criticism shared on his Instagram story, the award-winning artist targeted the opposing counsel directly. He claimed to have “disgraced” the lawyer in court before the counsel decided to mention his son. He wrote, “Like I said in the courtroom, I pray you never go through what my wife and I have gone through ever.”
The social media reaction followed earlier reports from a Lagos-based legal practitioner, Maruf Muhammed, who had noted courtroom tensions at the Lagos State High Court in Yaba. “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,” Muhammed posted, with another user confirming the matter concerned “his daughter, Imade’s custody.”
Background of the Custody Dispute
PUNCH Online had previously reported that Davido filed an originating motion (suit marked LD/1587PMC/2024, dated April 17, 2024) seeking joint custody or, alternatively, “unfettered and unrestricted access to Miss Imade.”
In the 44-paragraph affidavit supporting the motion, Davido deposed that he has consistently prioritized Imade’s welfare following the end of his relationship with the child’s mother, Sophia Momodu. He stated, “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.”
The custody dispute between Davido and Sophia Momodu had been ongoing, despite recent public appearances that had suggested an improving co-parenting relationship. Imade was recently seen spending time with Davido after a talent contest, a moment that had garnered positive public attention.
