In an originating motion submitted by his legal representatives, Dr. Olaniyi Arije, Okey Barrah, and others, at the Lagos State High Court on April 17, 2024, the prominent musician Davido is requesting the court to grant him joint custody of Miss Imade Adeleke. As an alternative, he is also seeking an order that would grant him unrestricted access to his daughter.
The case, filed under suit number LD/1587PMC/2024, lists Mr. David Adedeji Adeleke, known popularly as Davido, as the applicant, with Ms. Sophia Momodu as the sole respondent. The motion is supported by a 44-paragraph affidavit deposed by Davido himself, detailing his relationship with Momodu and their daughter’s upbringing.
Davido recounted his previous relationship with Momodu, which resulted in the birth of their daughter, Imade, on May 14, 2015. He noted that although their relationship ended several years ago, they had agreed to co-parent and ensure their child’s well-being.
He stated, “It is on record that I have consistently been responsible for paying all the educational expenses of my daughter, ensuring she receives the best education possible. I have also provided funds for the rent of the apartment where the respondent and our daughter currently reside.”
Davido emphasized his deep affection for his daughter, revealing that he had purchased a luxurious apartment worth ₦200 million in a secure gated community in Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos. This apartment, featuring a swimming pool and 24-hour power and water supply, was offered to Momodu and Imade. However, Davido claimed that Momodu rejected this offer, instead demanding that he continue to pay ₦5,000,000 annually for a rented apartment as his contribution towards their daughter’s accommodation.
He further explained, “To ensure that Imade’s needs are met, I bought a Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle for their use, facilitating transportation to and from school.” Despite these provisions, Davido narrated an incident from the previous year when he was informed by Imade’s school that she had been absent for two weeks. Upon inquiring, Momodu reportedly made excuses, citing issues with the Range Rover, which she had not communicated to him. In response, Davido provided another vehicle, a Highlander SUV, along with ₦5.8 million for the repair of the Range Rover, ensuring that there were two vehicles available for their use.
Davido expressed frustration over what he described as unreasonable and extravagant demands from Momodu, which he believed were intended to frustrate him. He detailed that among these demands, Momodu required him to pay $800 per month for a nanny, totaling $19,600 per year, to be paid upfront.
Despite his efforts to secure a better future for their daughter, Davido claimed that Momodu continued to exhibit unwarranted hostility towards him, causing him significant emotional distress. He further highlighted their ongoing conflicts, noting that in 2021, Sophia publicly expressed her displeasure over their daughter bearing Davido’s surname instead of her own.
In a social media post, Sophia recounted her emotional turmoil when she realized that Imade would carry Davido’s last name, not hers. She revealed, “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, arguing that there wasn’t a single letter from my name in hers.” Her mother eventually helped her understand that carrying her father’s name would enable Imade to benefit from his lineage and inheritance, prompting Sophia to accept the decision, albeit reluctantly.
The ongoing legal battle underscores the complex dynamics between Davido and Sophia Momodu as they navigate the challenges of co-parenting while striving to secure the best interests of their daughter, Imade.
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