In the latest development of the high-profile custody battle between Nigerian superstar Davido and his ex-partner Sophia Momodu, more details have emerged from the court proceedings. Sophia Momodu, the mother of Davido’s first child, Imade Aurora Adeleke, has filed a detailed counter-affidavit in response to Davido’s request for joint custody or unfettered access to their nine-year-old daughter.
The case, marked LD/1587PMC/2024, was filed at the Lagos State High Court on April 17, 2024. In his filing, Davido, whose real name is David Adedeji Adeleke, seeks a more substantial role in Imade’s upbringing. However, Sophia’s response paints a different picture, highlighting concerns over Davido’s lifestyle and its potential impact on their daughter.
Davido took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his frustration with the situation. He shared a heartfelt message, saying, “Your constantly bringing up the death of my child at any point u can to just remind us of this tragedy that haunts us everyday of our lives .. Imade will grow up to see I fought for her .. as for now u can have her .. P.S she won’t be a child forever .. enjoy ❤️ Imade Aurora Adeleke ! Your father loves you!”
He later added, “All I asked for was ‘joint custody’ but cus it’s Davido yall wanna act like yall can’t read! SMH I’m off this … yall be blessed and I pray this never happens to you.”
Sophia’s 100-paragraph counter-affidavit argues that Imade has been under her care since birth and that she has been solely responsible for her welfare. She stressed that granting Davido custody would expose their daughter to a lifestyle that could cause her negative trauma. Sophia cited Davido’s frequent travels, his controversial lifestyle, and the unsavoury influences around him as reasons to deny his request.
“The Applicant in his role as an artiste always travels and allows many unsavoury male adults around him and his house, who will not be a good influence on an impressionable young female child, like our daughter,” Sophia stated. She also mentioned the tragic loss of Davido’s son under questionable circumstances as a point of concern for Imade’s safety.
Sophia’s affidavit also addresses Davido’s estrangement from their daughter and his unwillingness to participate in child therapy. She emphasized the importance of establishing a meaningful and safe presence in Imade’s life, something she believes Davido has failed to do due to his career demands and personal choices.
Furthermore, Sophia pointed out that Davido is now married to another woman, which complicates the dynamics of proper upbringing. She recalled numerous instances where Davido allegedly used his fatherly duties as leverage to coerce her into continuing their relationship, despite her attempts to end it due to his infidelity and abusive behavior.
Sophia detailed how she has been the primary financial provider for their daughter, paying for rent and other expenses even after their relationship ended. She refuted Davido’s claims of contributing significantly to Imade’s upkeep, stating that his financial support has been inconsistent and inadequate.
The affidavit reveals a history of strained interactions between the two, including a 2017 incident where Davido allegedly kicked Sophia and Imade out of his house during a vacation in Atlanta. Sophia also accused Davido of using their daughter for media stunts and promotions rather than genuinely caring for her.
Sophia concluded by reiterating her commitment to providing a stable and supportive environment for Imade, insisting that any visitation from Davido should be supervised to ensure their daughter’s well-being. She also urged Davido to change his behavior and fulfill his responsibilities as a father without using their daughter as a pawn.
As the custody battle continues, the court will weigh these allegations and determine the best arrangement for Imade’s welfare. The public remains captivated by this deeply personal and emotional case, as both parties strive to secure what they believe is best for their beloved daughter.
