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 Dr. Olaniyi Arije, Okey Barrah, and others at the Lagos State High Court on April 17, 2024, Davido is requesting “an order granting joint custody of Miss Imade Adeleke to the applicant.” Alternatively, the singer seeks “an order granting the applicant unfettered and unrestricted access to Miss Imade.”
The suit, marked LD/1587PMC/2024, lists Mr. David Adedeji Adeleke as the applicant and Ms. Sophia Momodu as the sole respondent. Davido supported the motion with a 44-paragraph affidavit in which he detailed their past relationship and his extensive financial contributions to Imade’s upbringing.
Davido recounted his efforts, including paying all of Imade’s school fees, providing funds for their living arrangements, and purchasing a N200 million apartment for Momodu, which she refused. Instead, she insisted on Davido continuing to pay N5,000,000 annually for a rented residence.
To further support his daughter, Davido provided a Range Rover SUV and, upon learning it was not in good condition, supplied a Highlander SUV and an additional N5.8 million for the Range Rover’s repairs. He also covers living expenses, nanny fees, medical care, insurance, and international travel costs.
Despite these contributions, Davido claims that Momodu has made unreasonable demands, including a lump sum payment of $19,600 for the nanny’s annual salary. He accuses Momodu of cruelty and creating unnecessary obstacles.
The two have had ongoing disputes, including a notable incident in 2021 when Momodu expressed distress that their daughter took Davido’s last name instead of hers. Momodu revealed her emotional struggle over the decision on Instagram, highlighting her family’s advice about the benefits tied to bearing Davido’s surname.
This legal battle continues as Davido strives to secure a more active role in Imade’s life and ensure her well-being.
