International award-winning singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has taken legal action against Sophia Momodu, the mother of his first child, Imade, seeking custody of their daughter. In an originating motion filed by his lawyers at the Lagos State High Court on April 17, 2024, Davido is requesting joint custody of Imade. Alternatively, he seeks unfettered and unrestricted access to his daughter.
Davido, in a 44-paragraph affidavit, detailed his extensive efforts to support Imade and her mother financially. He noted that he has been paying for Imade’s education, covering the rent of their current residence, and offering a N200 million apartment, which Momodu declined. He also mentioned providing vehicles for their use and covering additional expenses like nanny fees and medical care. Despite these contributions, Davido claims Momodu continues to make excessive demands and has shown unwarranted cruelty toward him.
The custody battle is the latest in a series of conflicts between Davido and Momodu. In 2021, Momodu expressed her distress over their daughter bearing Davido’s last name instead of hers, a sentiment that added to the strained relationship between the two. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the future custody and access arrangements for their daughter Imade.