Nigerian Afrobeats icon David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has withdrawn from a custody trial concerning his daughter, Imade, following a disturbing courtroom reference to his late son. The announcement, made via social media late Friday, marks a significant turn in the high-profile dispute.
Davido clarified that his legal pursuit was always for joint custody, not sole custody as publicly rumored. In his post on platform X, he stated, “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.” He emphasized that his decision to drop the case stemmed from an unacceptable moment during proceedings when opposing counsel referenced his deceased son, an act he termed “the lowest blow” and deeply distressing. “Until she brought out her last card! MY DECEASED SON! THAT’S A NO NO!” he wrote.
The singer further alleged unprofessional conduct by the other party’s legal team, claiming on Instagram Story that he had exposed their inadequacies in court before the mention of his son. He expressed a prayer that the lawyers never endure the grief he and his wife have faced. These reactions followed a viral post by Lagos-based legal practitioner Maruf Muhammed, who described tense drama at the Lagos State High Court, Yaba, during cross-examination. Muhammed later confirmed the session involved Davido’s daughter custody matter.
The custody clash between Davido and Imade’s mother has persisted for some time, attracting intense public and media scrutiny due to Davido’s celebrity status. Despite the legal strife, recent footage showed Imade enjoying time with her father after she won a talent competition, a moment fans interpreted as evidence of both parents’ commitment to her welfare. Observers have consistently called for amicable co-parenting to shield the child from further conflict.
By discontinuing the case, Davido signals a shift away from litigation, though the specifics of future arrangements remain unclear. His statement underscored a focus on Imade’s upbringing, noting she will “grow up knowing I fought for her.” This development highlights the emotional volatility of custody battles, particularly when叠加 personal tragedies, and reinforces the importance of prioritizing the child’s stability over adversarial proceedings. The incident also prompts reflection on courtroom decorum in sensitive family matters. Moving forward, the parents’ ability to collaborate privately will be crucial, as public interest in their co-parenting journey continues.
