Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, widely known by his stage name Asake, has publicly detailed a period of familial conflict stemming from his father’s initial opposition to his music career, a rift that later drew public attention before a reconciliation.
Speaking in a recent interview with YouTuber Korty EO, the Afrobeats star recounted that his relationship with his father, Fatai Odunsi, became strained when he decided to leave home to pursue music. Asake described a previously close bond during his childhood, but said his father objected when he announced his plans. “My dad and I were so close when I was younger. But it got to a time when I wanted to leave home to do what I’m doing now but my father said ‘No.’ I left regardless,” he stated.
This personal conflict escalated into a public matter in March 2023, when Odunsi gave interviews accusing his son of neglect and abandonment following Asake’s rapid rise to fame. The allegations generated significant discussion and criticism toward the singer online.
Subsequently, Asake and his father reconciled. The artist acknowledged the need to address his father’s welfare, stating he took responsibility for his care. This resolution ended the period of public discord between them.
Asake, who had studied drama and theatre arts and worked as an actor before his music breakthrough, has previously discussed the challenges of gaining parental approval for his unconventional career path. His father’s disapproval reflects a common tension in some Nigerian families where traditional professions are often preferred over artistic pursuits.
The reconciliation underscores the pressures that accompany sudden fame, particularly regarding family obligations and public perception. Since mending the relationship, Asake has continued his successful music career, releasing multiple chart-topping singles and albums within the Afrobeats genre.
The episode highlights how familial disputes can become public narratives for celebrities, and the steps taken toward private resolution. Asake’s experience illustrates the interplay between personal ambition, cultural expectations, and the responsibilities that come with public success in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
