Dr Adedeji Adeleke, father of Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has firmly dismissed claims that the singer fathered a child identified as Anuoluwapo, insisting that multiple DNA tests have scientifically disproved the allegation.
Speaking at a news conference in Lagos on Wednesday, Adeleke said the family relied strictly on scientific evidence to address the paternity claim, stressing that Davido was not the child’s father.
The clarification followed a post made on January 15, 2025, on X (formerly Twitter) by an account claiming to belong to Anuoluwapo, in which a letter was addressed to Davido requesting a DNA test to establish paternity. Davido later responded via his verified X handle, stating that DNA tests conducted at his father’s insistence had returned negative results.
Addressing journalists, Adeleke said the briefing was necessary for him, as head of the family, to publicly outline the steps taken to resolve the issue.
According to him, five DNA tests were conducted in total—three involving Davido and two involving his cousin, Adebayo David Adeleke, popularly known as B-Red—to rule out any possible mix-up.
“With David, we have done three tests, and with Bayo, we have done two, making five tests. I relied solely on science to establish paternity, and science revealed he is not the father,” Adeleke said.
He added:
“There is no way I would have a child out there and not accept responsibility. But DNA is DNA. If science proves you are my granddaughter, I will accept you totally. What would it take for me to accept one more grandchild?”
Adeleke disclosed that he currently has 14 grandchildren.
He further revealed that the child’s mother and grandmother had first contacted him in 2014 through a lawyer, via DHL, with an envelope containing photographs of Anuoluwapo, her mother, Davido, and a typed letter allegedly written by the grandmother. He said the family immediately initiated steps to verify the claim.
However, Adeleke noted that despite the DNA results clearing Davido, the issue has continued to resurface on social media, prompting the need for the public clarification.
He alleged that Anuoluwapo’s grandmother had refused to accept the outcome of the DNA tests and had approached members of his extended family, including his sister in Osun State and the traditional ruler of his hometown, to pressure him into accepting the claim.
Despite rejecting the paternity allegation, Adeleke said he had continued to support the child and her mother financially, including sponsoring their education.
He disclosed that Anuoluwapo’s mother was enrolled at Adeleke University and received a monthly bursary of N50,000 but later dropped out despite performing well academically.
Adeleke also revealed that Anuoluwapo’s aunt, who has remained in contact with him, informed the family that the X account behind the January 15 post was allegedly operated by a female blogger who had long been cut off from the family.
According to Adeleke, the aunt denied that the post originated from Anuoluwapo, her mother, or any member of their family, and apologised for the embarrassment caused.
“She said the account belongs to a blogger we severed ties with years ago. We have asked her repeatedly to stop posting anything about Anuoluwapo,” Adeleke said.
He called on Anuoluwapo’s mother to accept the DNA findings, noting that the scholarship opportunity earlier extended to her remains open.
Adeleke also announced that the family would be taking legal action against the blogger allegedly responsible for the post, accusing her of impersonation and dissemination of false information.
