Nigerian music sensation Davido has happily been reunited with his eldest daughter, Imade Adeleke, following an extended custody battle with her mother, Sophia Momodu.
On May 28, 2025, the artist uploaded an emotional image from their get-together onto their Instagram story, accompanied by the caption “Best day of my life,” indicating a pivotal point in their tense relationship. Additionally, they shared a screenshot from a video call with their second child along with a photograph featuring Imade alongside her grandfather, Governor Adeleke.
What makes it significant that Davido spotted his daughter?
The father-daughter reunion follows
a legal battle
that began in April 2024, when Davido filed a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court
seeking joint custody
or unrestricted access to his then nine-year-old daughter. Prior to that, they hadn’t seen each other for two whole years.
Why the lawsuit?
He alleged that Momodu was preventing him from seeing Imade even though he stated that he had fulfilled all monetary responsibilities. This included paying her tuition, supplying cars for her use, and proposing a ₦200 million flat located in Oniru, Victoria Island, an offer whichMomodu supposedly rejected.
Sophia Momodu’s countersuit
In reply, Momodu submitted a 102-paragraph counter-affidavit.
claiming that Davido had neglected his paternal responsibilities
Following their breakup in July 2022, especially after she declined continued sexual relations.
She took accountability for Imade’s costs, which encompassed outstanding tuition fees, and contended that Davido’s way of life and recurrent trips rendered him an inappropriate guardian, highlighting the unfortunate passing of his young child, Ifeanyi, in 2022 as a potential risk to Imade’s well-being.
The Messy situation
Davido expressed displeasure over Sophia’s usual reference to the death of his son, tagging the sad event as a tragedy that haunts him and his wife Chioma.
In an Instagram story, Davido posted: “You continuously bring up the death of my child whenever possible as a constant reminder of this tragic event that shadows our lives every day.”
This, alone, countered a flood of responses on social media, as countless individuals criticized Sophia for involving Ifeanyi in the legal dispute. Additionally, it sparked discussions around child custody fights and their tendency to become particularly contentious.
For that moment, Davido decided to let go.
Amid the messy back and forth, Davido took to social media to explain his stance, stressing that he only wanted partial custody of Imade and not full custody. In his story post,
he surrendered for the interim, telling Sophia that she could have her.
Imade will mature and realize that I stood up for her. For now, you can have her. Just remember, she won’t remain a child indefinitely. Enjoy your time with Imade Aurora Adelepe! Her father loves her deeply!
Sophia’s uncle, veteran journalist
Dele Momodu,
addressed the dispute
In an extensive Facebook post, they disclosed that the court had directed the matter towards alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for a possible settlement outside of court.
He highlighted the importance of both sides focusing on Imade’s welfare and refraining from harmful public statements. Momodu additionally pointed out that Davido’s father,
Dr. Adedeji Adeleke,
stepped in to resolve unpaid school expenses and supply a vehicle for Imade, thereby mitigating certain financial disputes.
As the legal process moves forward, this gathering signifies a promising shift in the continuing custody dispute, indicating a potential route towards harmony and shared parenting for the benefit of their child.
