There has been renewed public debate following comments by Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, after his father, billionaire businessman Dr. Deji Adeleke, addressed longstanding paternity claims involving a young girl identified as Anuoluwapo.
Dr. Adeleke on Wednesday, 21st of January, 2026 convened a press briefing at his Lagos residence to clarify the long-running controversy that has resurfaced on social media. He said the family had taken the unusual step of arranging multiple DNA tests over the years and that all results conclusively showed that Davido is not the biological father of the child at the centre of the dispute.
The billionaire also emphasised that the family would have embraced the child if science had proven paternity.
In his words, “I have 14 grandchildren, so what will one more do? Is it that I will not be able to afford to do things for her or bring her into my family? I want more grandchildren, but there is science — DNA. If you say you are my granddaughter and science has proven that you are my granddaughter, I would gladly accept you.”
The business mogul further stated that the situation has been fuelled by online figures and external actors. He accused controversial journalist Kemi Olunloyo of allegedly impersonating the minor’s social accounts to amplify the saga. Dr. Adeleke suggested his legal team may take action to protect his son’s reputation and to address what he described as “false narratives.”
In the wake of his father’s statements, Davido took to his social media stories to thank his father for standing by him amid the controversy. The “If” crooner took to his X page on Thursday and wrote, “Thank you my loving Father …
Netizens quickly chimed in with mixed reactions. Some of them praised Dr. Adeleke’s handling of the issue, lauding the elder Adeleke for protecting his family and highlighting Davido’s position as the “baby of the house”, while others had a go at Anuoluwapo’s mother and Kemi Olunloyo for using the situation to “chase the spotlight.”
Reacting to a clip of the interview which has been making the rounds online, an X user with the handle, Osi – @Osi_Suave stated that
“Davido papa be like my mama. Baba had all the documentation. Was just dropping receipts.
Having a parent who stands for what is right and looks out for you as their child is a blessing one should never take for granted”
Another X user named, Dr Fab – @Tufab said “Kemi Olulonyo is a sick woman nd needs to be in jail or psychiatric home for years. wtf! Impersonating a minor”
A third netizen with the handle, wande – @blaccmajek) said “This is sign for the Kemi mad woman to be careful. For this man to come out to address this, he’s giving her the time to do the right thing. After this one na law go remain.”
Allegations From the Other Side
However, despite the family’s assertions, the mother of the teenager, Ayotomide Labinjoh, has disputed the authenticity and process of the DNA tests presented, calling for a fresh, independently supervised examination. She also maintains that the reported results do not fully reflect what happened.
In an open letter on her Instagram page, the woman accused the Adeleke patriarch of trying to bully her and alleged threats to her and her daughter’s life.
“Dr Deji Adeleke. You cannot intimidate us, sir. As the patriarch of the family, you should not be talking on David’s behalf. I’m not Sophia negotiating child support, etc. Let David address me,” she wrote.
