Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced his decision to drop the ongoing legal battle for joint custody of his daughter, Imade Adeleke, following a heated exchange in court that he described as crossing an unacceptable line.
In a direct statement posted on X, late Friday evening, Davido addressed widespread speculation and celebrations surrounding the case, clarifying key details and explaining his choice to step away.
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“I never asked for full custody … I asked for joint custody,” he wrote in the numbered post. He stressed that “nobody won, nobody lost but Imade,” questioning why some people were celebrating what he called a no-win situation for his daughter. “There’s nothing to celebrate.”
The turning point, according to Davido, occurred during cross-examination on February 12 at the High Court in Yaba, Lagos. He claimed he was effectively countering the opposing counsel until the lawyer referenced his deceased son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, who tragically drowned in 2022. “When I was spanking that lawyer in the courtroom … I was finishing her … until she brought out her last card! MY DECEASED SON! THAT’S A NO NO! Lowest blow!” he stated emphatically.
Davido described the mention as the “lowest blow” and an unacceptable tactic, prompting his decision to withdraw entirely. He affirmed his commitment to Imade, saying, “My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her, let’s move on. One love!”
The custody dispute with Imade’s mother, Sophia Momodu, has spanned several years, with Davido consistently maintaining that he sought only joint access and shared parenting responsibilities rather than sole or full custody. Reports from eyewitnesses, including lawyers present in court, described tense moments during the February 12 hearing, where Davido reportedly became visibly frustrated and emotional amid intense questioning.
