Internationally acclaimed singer David Adeleke, known popularly as Davido, has taken legal action against Sophia Momodu, the mother of his first child, Imade.
The singer is seeking joint custody or, alternatively, unfettered access to their daughter.
The case was filed by Davido’s legal team, including Dr. Olaniyi Arije and Okey Barrah, at the Lagos State High Court on April 17, 2024.
The motion, marked LD/1587PMC/2024, names Davido as the applicant and Sophia Momodu as the sole respondent.
Davido’s affidavit, consisting of 44 paragraphs and deposed by the singer himself, details the relationship between him and Momodu, which resulted in the birth of their daughter on May 14, 2015.
The relationship, he states, ended years ago, but both parties had agreed to co-parent Imade.
In his affidavit, Davido emphasized his financial commitment to Imade’s upbringing. “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,” he said.
He continued, “I have also been providing money for the rent of the apartment where the respondent resides with our daughter.”
Davido further detailed an offer he made to Momodu, which he claimed was turned down. “As a result of the love I had for Imade, I purchased and offered the mother a N200 million worth apartment in a condominium gated community with a swimming pool and 24-hour power and water supply at Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“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.”
In addition to housing, Davido also provided transportation for Imade and Momodu. “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 said.
Davido recounted an incident last year when he was informed by Imade’s school that she had been absent for two weeks.
Upon inquiring with Momodu, he stated, “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.”
To resolve the issue, Davido provided another vehicle and financial support. “I provided another vehicle, Highlander SUV, and in addition, the sum of N5.8 million 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,” he added.
Davido outlined further commitments to ensure Imade’s well-being, including covering living expenses, nanny fees, medical and health care, insurance, and international travel expenses.
Despite these efforts, he claims Momodu’s demands have become unreasonable.
“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,” he said.
Davido expressed his frustration with the ongoing situation, stating, “Notwithstanding my efforts in the overall interest of my daughter, the respondent has continued to show me unwarranted cruelty, inflicting so much pain on me.”
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