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 legal team, including Dr. Olaniyi Arije and Okey Barrah, at the Lagos State High Court on April 17, 2024, Davido is requesting the court to grant joint custody of Imade Adeleke. Alternatively, he seeks an order for “unfettered and unrestricted access” to his daughter.
The case, marked LD/1587PMC/2024, lists Mr. David Adedeji Adeleke as the applicant and Ms. Sophia Momodu as the respondent. Davido himself supported the motion with a 44-paragraph affidavit.
Davido recounted that although his relationship with Momodu led to Imade’s birth on May 14, 2015, it ended several years ago, and they agreed to co-parent their child.
He highlighted his contributions, including paying all of Imade’s school fees and rent for the apartment where Momodu and Imade live.
Out of love for his daughter, Davido said he offered Momodu a ₦200 million apartment in a gated community in Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, which she declined. Instead, she demanded he continue paying ₦5 million annually for a rented facility.
To ensure Imade’s welfare, Davido provided a Range Rover SUV and later a Highlander SUV, along with ₦5.8 million for the Range Rover’s repairs.
He also committed to covering living expenses, nanny fees, medical care, insurance, and international travel costs for Imade.
Despite his efforts, Davido claims Momodu has made unreasonable demands, including $800 monthly for the nanny, totaling $19,600 annually, paid as a lump sum. He alleges that Momodu’s actions have caused him significant distress.
The strained relationship between Davido and Momodu is not new.
In 2021, Momodu expressed her pain on Instagram when Imade took Davido’s last name instead of hers, revealing that she cried because her daughter couldn’t bear the Momodu name.
The ongoing custody battle reflects the complexities and emotional strains in their co-parenting relationship, highlighting the challenges faced by separated parents striving for the best interest of their child.
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