Nigerian publisher Dele Momodu has confirmed that informal discussions are underway between the families of singer Davido and Sophia Momodu, aimed at resolving their ongoing child custody dispute. His statement comes after repeated public appeals for him to intervene in the high-profile case.
Momodu, who is both a prominent publisher and the uncle of Sophia Momodu, addressed the matter from Liberia where he is offering condolences to former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor following the death of her child. He urged calm and patience, stating, “Nothing to worry about. Everything is going to be alright. We’re working behind the scenes. Please, keep everyone in your prayers.”
The public calls for Momodu’s intervention intensified after Davido, whose full name is David Adeleke, recently withdrew his custody petition. This legal move followed a court proceeding where Sophia Momodu’s legal representative made reference to the 2022 death of Davido’s son, Ifeanyi Adeleke. The sensitive invocation of the tragic event appeared to shift the legal landscape, leading to the withdrawal of the formal case.
While the formal court action has been paused, the underlying custody and co-parenting arrangements between Davido and Sophia Momodu remain a subject of private family negotiations. Dele Momodu’s confirmation of behind-the-scenes talks signals a preference for a familial resolution over continued public litigation.
The dispute has attracted widespread attention in Nigeria and among Afrobeats fans internationally, partly due to Davido’s global music career and the personal nature of the disagreement. The involvement of a senior family figure like Dele Momodu is seen as an effort to mediate a sustainable agreement that prioritizes the well-being of the child involved.
These reported discussions represent a significant, albeit private, development in a saga that has often unfolded on social media and in the courts. The outcome of the family-led talks may determine the future framework for parental responsibilities and access. Both parties have not issued further official statements beyond Momodu’s call for prayers and patience, leaving the status of the informal negotiations as the focal point for resolution.
