Award-winning Nigerian singer, Davido, has filed a lawsuit against Sophia Momodu, the mother of his first child, Imade, seeking joint custody of their daughter. The legal battle marks a new chapter in the ongoing dispute between the former couple over the care and well-being of their seven-year-old daughter.
In the originating motion filed at the Lagos State High Court, Davido prayed for “an order granting joint custody of Miss Imade Adeleke to the applicant” or “an order granting to the applicant unfettered and unrestricted access to Miss Imade.” The singer, whose real name is David Adedeji Adeleke, is seeking legal recognition of his rights as a father and hopes to play a more significant role in Imade’s life.
Davido and Sophia have been at loggerheads over the care of their daughter since their relationship ended some years ago. Despite their separation, Davido has consistently provided financial support for Imade, paying her school fees and rent for the apartment where Sophia and Imade reside. However, the singer claims that Sophia has repeatedly rebuffed his attempts to be more involved in their daughter’s life.
In the court documents, Davido alleged that Sophia rejected his offer to purchase a N200 million apartment for them, instead demanding that he continue to pay N5 million annually for a rented facility. The singer also claimed that Sophia has made “outlandish and Utopian demands” and shown him “unwarranted cruelty,” causing him significant emotional distress.
Davido has gone to great lengths to ensure Imade’s well-being, purchasing a Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle and a Highlander SUV for her use. He has also committed to paying for living expenses, nanny fees, medical care, and international travel expenses. Despite these efforts, Sophia has continued to frustrate his attempts to be a more involved father, Davido alleged.
The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the dispute between Davido and Sophia, who have been at odds over Imade’s custody and well-being for some time. In 2021, Sophia revealed that she was pained when Imade took Davido’s last name instead of hers, sparking a public debate over children bearing their mothers’ names.
