By seeking joint custody and unfettered access, Davido aims to ensure a continued active role in his daughter’s life.
Renowned Nigerian musician Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, has filed a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court against Sophia Momodu, seeking custody of their daughter, Aurora Imade Adeleke.
The legal action, filed on April 17, 2024, and bearing the suit number LD/1587PMC/2024, names Davido as the applicant and Sophia Momodu as the respondent, marking the beginning of a legal battle over the child’s custody, according to PM News.
Davido, through his legal action, is seeking a court order granting him joint custody of his daughter, Imade, and unrestricted access to her.
While acknowledging that his relationship with Sophia Momodu, Imade’s mother, ended several years ago, Davido emphasizes that he has consistently fulfilled his financial responsibilities towards their child’s well-being, demonstrating his commitment to Imade’s care and support.
By seeking joint custody and unfettered access, Davido aims to ensure a continued active role in his daughter’s life.
Davido said he has consistently borne the costs of Imade’s education, paying all her school fees, and has also been covering the rent for the apartment where Sophia Momodu and their daughter reside. Despite his efforts to provide for his child’s well-being, Davido alleges that Momodu has been making unreasonable demands, seemingly designed to harass and frustrate him.
Notably, she allegedly rejected his offer to provide a luxurious apartment worth N200 million in a gated community on Victoria Island, Lagos, which features amenities like a swimming pool, 24-hour power and water supply, and round-the-clock security.
He said, “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.”
Davido further emphasized his commitment to his daughter’s well-being by purchasing a Range Rover SUV to cater to her transportation needs, including daily trips to and from school. However, his efforts were met with resistance.
He revealed that he received a concerning call from Imade’s school last year, informing him that she had been absent for two weeks. Upon inquiring about the situation from Momodu, she made excuses and complained about the condition of the Range Rover, yet failed to notify him about the issue beforehand, further frustrating his attempts to provide for his child’s needs.
Davido further stated that upon learning of the Range Rover’s condition, he promptly provided an additional vehicle, a Highlander SUV, and also gave Momodu N5.8 million to repair the Range Rover, effectively putting two vehicles at her and their daughter’s disposal. He emphasized his dedication to their child’s well-being by committing to cover various expenses, including living costs, nanny fees, medical and healthcare costs, insurance, and international travel expenses, ensuring their daughter’s needs are comprehensively met.
He added that “notwithstanding my efforts in the overall interest of my daughter, the respondent has continued to make outlandish and Utopian demands to frustrate me.”
Davido also alleged that Momodu demanded he pay the nanny she hired a monthly salary of $800, equivalent to $19,600 annually, which he deemed excessive.
Despite his efforts to provide for their daughter’s well-being, Davido claimed that Momodu has consistently treated him with cruelty and caused him significant emotional pain.
In light of these circumstances, Davido is seeking a court order granting him joint custody of their daughter, Imade Adeleke, to ensure a more collaborative and harmonious approach to her care and upbringing.