Entertainment
Davido Drags Sophia To Court Over His First Daughter’s Custody
David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has dragged Sophia Momodu, the mother of his first child, Imade, to court, seeking custody of the daughter.
In an originating motion filed by his lawyers, Dr Olaniyi Arije, Okey Barrah and others, at the Lagos State High Court, dated April 17, 2024, Davido is praying the court for “an order granting joint custody of Miss Imade Adeleke to the applicant.”
In the alternative, the singer prayed to the court for “an order granting to the applicant unfettered and unrestricted access to Miss Imade.”
The suit, marked LD/1587PMC/2024, has as applicant Mr David Adedeji Adeleke, while Ms Sophia Momodu was listed as the sole respondent.
The originating motion was supported by a 44-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Davido himself.
He narrated that though he had a relationship with Momodu that led to the birth of their child on May 14, 2015, the relationship had ended some years ago “while we resolved to take care of our child as biological father and mother”
Davido said, “That 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.
“That I have also been providing money for the rent of the apartment where the respondent resides with our daughter.”
The singer said that as a result of the love he had for Imade, he purchased and offered the mother a N200m worth apartment in a condominium gated community with a swimming pool and 24-hour power and water supply at Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos. An offer he claimed was turned down.
He said, “The respondent rejected the offer to stay and live at the above-described secured Oniru apartment, which had been purchased already, but demanded that I continue to pay N5,000,000 annually for a rented facility as my own contribution towards my daughter’s accommodation.”
Davido said to ensure that the interest of Imade was well-catered for, “I bought a Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle for the use of the child and the respondent to meet the transport needs, including transportation of the child to and from school, etc.”
He added that sometime last year, he received a call from her daughter’s school that Imade had been absent for two weeks, and upon his inquiry from Momodu, “She began to make excuses and complained that the Range Rover SUV was not in a good condition, however, she refused to inform me about that.”
He added, “That sequel to the information about the said condition of the vehicle, I provided another vehicle, Highlander SUV, and in addition, the sum of N5.8m as requested by her for the repair of the Range Rover SUV, making it two vehicles in the custody and use of the respondent and our daughter.”
According to Davido, to further ensure that the interest of their child was adequately taken care of, “I also made commitments to pay for living expenses, the fees of the nanny to our child, provide medical and health care, insurance, periodic international travel expenses and tickets.”
“That notwithstanding my efforts in the overall interest of my daughter, the respondent has continued to make outlandish and Utopian demands to frustrate me,” the singer added.
Listing the other demands allegedly made by Momodu, he said, “The respondent, among others, is demanding that I should pay the nanny she hired the sum of $800 per month, and that the total sum of $19,600 per annum be paid as a lump sum.”
Davido claimed that despite his contribution towards ensuring a better life for their daughter, “the respondent has continued to show me unwarranted cruelty, inflicting so much pain on me.”
Davido and Sophia have often been at loggerheads.
In 2021, Sophia revealed that she was pained when their daughter, Imade, took Davido’s last name and not hers.
Momodu revealed this via her Instagram Story when she reacted to a post about children bearing their mothers’ names.
According to her, she cried bitterly because her daughter could not bear her last name ‘Momodu’.
She wrote, “I remember my mom and aunties laughing at me when I was crying because my daughter’s last name wasn’t going to be Momodu.
“I was genuinely distraught. I was even arguing and everything, that they put her father’s full name and not a single letter from mine.”
She further revealed that her mother made her understand that Imade should bear her father’s name so that she could gain from her father’s lineage and inheritance.
She added, “It made me shut up real quick, but I lowkey had so many questions.”
By Francesca Hangeior
Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has shared his harrowing experience in the United States when a stray bullet pierced through the window of his hotel room.
He shared the terrifying encounter on his Instagram page, posting a video of the damaged window and bullet hole.
Seun, who expressed shock, questioned the perception of safety in America.
In the video, Seun Kuti said that he was in his hotel room, relaxing, when the bullet suddenly came through the window.
“I read somewhere that these are the civilised people. Tell me you are in America without telling me you are in America. I am in my hotel room just chilling and boom this happened”, he said.
By Francesca Hangeior
Actor and skit maker Kamo State has penned a heartfelt note to his senior colleague and godmother, Funke Akindele, expressing deepest gratitude for her unwavering support throughout his wife’s pregnancy and childbirth.
He described her as “an angel in human form” and highlighted her selfless acts, including securing one of Lagos’s best doctors for his wife’s care and covering all medical expenses.
According to Kamo, she also offered to fly Kamo State’s wife to the US for the baby’s birth when she found out about the pregnancy late.
He wrote: “AN ANGEL IN HUMAN FORM (Iyami Olufunke Mi Owon). To the woman who embodies love, strength, and unwavering support, my dearest godmother, Lafunky Omo Akindele. Where do I even begin to express the depth of my gratitude for all you do? You’ve always stood by me, a beacon of light in every storm, and a source of endless encouragement.
“I’ll never forget the nights you spent by my side at the hospital, your presence, a soothing balm, your vigilance, a testament to your love. Even when I told you about the pregnancy late, you were ready to fly my wife to the US for the baby’s birth, showing the lengths you’d go to for us. We were supposed to go to Dubai together when I told you my wife’s expected delivery date is close,you insisted I stay with her while you’re in Dubai with your kids, and you called my wife every single day, just to check up on her and make sure she was doing well any day I didn’t pick call like this you’ll fight me ni ooo that you must talk to ESTHER to check her, you told your driver and security details to follow us to the hospital even if we call them in the midnight, ensuring we were safe and sound. You secured one of the best doctors in Lagos for my wife and took care of every single bill, showing your selfless generosity. You prayed for my wife in our prayer group every single time, and you forced me to pray countless times, always reminding me of the power of faith. And now, as we shall be christening our baby this Tuesday, you’ve once again stepped forward, sponsoring the naming from the food to the beautiful outfits for my wife and me, you’re taking care of everything, ensuring that this celebration is as special as possible.
“IYAMI IYAMI, your generosity knows no bounds, and your love is a gift I cherish every single day. I wanted to write more, but I’m honestly short of words to express how much you mean to me. I pray that God blesses you abundantly, showering you with health, happiness, and all the good things life offers. Thank you for being the amazing woman you are, and for showing me the true meaning of family. I owe you so much, and I’ll spend a lifetime trying to repay the kindness you’ve shown me. I love you dearly!”.
*Deeone backs police as Davido, Seun Kuti, others demand his release
By Francesca Hangeior
Social media has erupted into a storm of opposing views following the arrest of controversial online activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), with Nigerian influencers and celebrities publicly clashing over the issue.
VeryDarkMan, known for his outspoken commentary on social media, was reportedly arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday.
A source within the EFCC confirms that he was arrested on allegations of cyberstalking.
While comedian Deeone has openly defended the police action, others including Davido, Peter Okoye of P-Square, Seun Kuti, and Tunde Ednut have voiced strong disapproval, calling for his immediate release.
Comedian Deeone stirred controversy after he took to social media to support the arrest of VeryDarkMan, stating that the content creator had long crossed the line with his repeated “attacks and unfounded allegations” against public figures. Deeone accused VeryDarkMan of using activism as a cover for clout-chasing and personal vendettas.
In stark contrast, music superstar Davido shared a cryptic message perceived to be in support of VeryDarkMan.
Davido, lending his voice to the cause in a post on X, expressed appreciation for the support VeryDarkMan has received.
He wrote, “Outside all the noise it’s good to see that the good one does actually impacts lives and people actually appreciate! The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging, makes one want to do more for the masses. FREE MY GUY.”
Similarly, Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, also lent his support in a post on Instagram. He posted three photos of VDM with the caption, #FreeVDM #FreeVeryDarkMan @verydarkblackman.
Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti has also called for the release of social critic VeryDarkMan (VDM), alleging that influential religious leaders and certain financial institutions are behind his ordeal. He accused them of using their power to silence voices that challenge the status quo.
“As Federal government is running our country, all these big pastors dey run Nigeria. The people of God are the ones fighting VDM for speaking the truth,” he said.
Popular blogger and influencer Tunde Ednut amplified support for the detained figure by resharing clips of VeryDarkMan’s past advocacy work, portraying him as a necessary, if controversial, voice in Nigeria’s socio-political space.
Meanwhile, skitmaker Saidaboj, who was once publicly criticised by VeryDarkMan, has remained indifferent, neither supporting nor condemning the arrest.
The polarised reactions underscore the widening fault lines within Nigeria’s influencer community, with growing debates over freedom of speech, defamation, and the limits of online activism.
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