Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, better known as Davido, has formally withdrawn his custody petition involving his first daughter, Imade Adeleke, bringing an emotionally charged chapter in his family’s public life to a close. The singer shared the update via his social media accounts after court proceedings this week.
Davido originally filed the suit at the Lagos State High Court in Yaba seeking joint custody or unrestricted access to his daughter, whose mother is Sophia Momodu. In his affidavit, he emphasised that his intention was never to remove Imade from her mother’s care but to secure a legal framework for shared parenting.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, February 13, 2026, the award-winning artist clarified his decision, making it clear that he was not asking for sole custody. In his own words he wrote:
“I never asked for full custody … I asked for joint custody. Nobody won, nobody lost but Imade … so I don’t know why some people are celebrating, there’s nothing to celebrate.”
Davido explained that he chose to drop the legal fight after a difficult moment in court, describing how the exchange took an emotional turn. He said that during cross-examination, an opposing lawyer referenced his late son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, who tragically died in 2022, which he viewed as an inappropriate and painful breach of boundaries. In his own words:
“I’ve decided to drop the case because … until she brought out her last card! MY DECEASED SON! THAT’S A NO NO! Lowest blow!”
Davido also wrote that despite the decision to withdraw the case, he hoped his daughter would one day understand that his actions came from a place of love and a strong desire to be part of her life. He added:
“My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her … let’s move on. One love.”
The custody dispute, which began in 2024, drew widespread attention across Nigerian media and social platforms, with ongoing public discussion about co-parenting, celebrity privacy and what is truly in the best interest of children. Recent public appearances also showed moments of calm between Davido and Imade, including shared pride following her success in a talent competition.
Davido’s decision to withdraw the court action does not alter his role as a father, and many fans and followers have called for peace and dignity for both parents as they continue to co-parent Imade outside of court.
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