Davido, Sophia Momodu in court over daughter, Imade’s custody
Nigerian music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and his first baby mama, Sophia Momodu, are in court over the custody of their daughter, Aurora Imade Adeleke.
It was gathered that the internationally recognised singer dragged Sophia before the Lagos State High Court.
The suit marked LD/1587PMC/2024 and dated April 17, 2024, has Mr David Adedeji Adeleke as applicant, while Ms Sophia Momodu was listed as the sole respondent.
In an originating motion filed by his lawyers, Dr Olaniyi Arije, Okey Barrah and others, at the Lagos State High Court, dated April 17, 2024, Davido is praying the court for “an order granting joint custody of Miss Imade Adeleke to the applicant.”
The entertainer noted that despite that his relationship with Momodu that led to the birth of Imade had ended some years ago, he has continued to provide all necessary payment for the wellbeing of the child.
Davido listed that he has been responsible for the payment of all the school fees of Imade and he also has been providing money for the rent of the apartment where Momodu resides with their daughter.
In the suit, Davido accused Sophia Momodu of exploiting their daughter to extract substantial financial benefits from him. He claimed that she consistently made exorbitant demands and refused reasonable accommodations offered by him.
The singer noted that Momodu turned down his offer of a N200m worth apartment in a condominium gated community with a swimming pool and 24-hour power and water supply at Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He said, “The respondent rejected the offer to stay and live at the above-described secured Oniru apartment, which had been purchased already, but demanded that I continue to pay N5,000,000 annually for a rented facility as my own contribution towards my daughter’s accommodation.”
Davido also noted that he bought a Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle for the use of the child and the respondent to meet the transport needs, including transportation of the child to and from school, yet his efforts were frustrated.
He stated that sometime last year, he received a call from her daughter’s school that Imade had been absent for two weeks, and upon his inquiry from Momodu, “She began to make excuses and complained that the Range Rover SUV was not in a good condition, however, she refused to inform me about that.”
He added, “That sequel to the information about the said condition of the vehicle, I provided another vehicle, Highlander SUV, and in addition, the sum of N5.8m as requested by her for the repair of the Range Rover SUV, making it two vehicles in the custody and use of the respondent and our daughter.”
To further ensure that the interest of their child was adequately taken care of, Davido stated that he “made commitments to pay for living expenses, the fees of the nanny to our child, provide medical and health care, insurance, periodic international travel expenses and tickets.”
He added that “notwithstanding my efforts in the overall interest of my daughter, the respondent has continued to make outlandish and Utopian demands to frustrate me.”
The singer further accused Momodu of demanding that he should pay the nanny she hired the sum of $800 per month, “and that the total sum of $19,600 per annum be paid as a lump sum.”
Davido also claimed that despite his contribution towards ensuring a better life for their daughter, Momodu has continued to show him unwarranted cruelty and inflicting so much pain on him.
The entertainer, however, urged the court for “an order granting joint custody of Miss Imade Adeleke.”
