Deji Adeleke Breaks Silence on Davido Paternity Controversy
Billionaire businessman Dr Deji Adeleke on Wednesday publicly addressed the long-running paternity controversy involving his son, Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and a young girl, Anuoluwapo, allegedly fathered by the singer.
Adeleke dismissed the claims as false and accused social media commentator Kemi Olunloyo of impersonating the child and her mother online to sustain the allegations.
The controversy centers on Ayo Labinjo, an Ibadan-based woman who claimed she had a relationship with Davido during a city visit several years ago, resulting in the birth of a baby girl, Anu. The matter resurfaced recently after an Instagram account, said to belong to the child, requested another DNA test. Davido had previously confirmed that five DNA tests had already been conducted, all returning negative results.
Allegations Resurfaced, Adeleke Speaks for First Time
Adeleke said he was compelled to speak publicly because the matter resurfaces almost every year.
“I am Deji Adeleke, I’m the father of five children, three boys and two girls. David Adeleke, who you all know as Davido, is the baby of my family, he’s the last. I’m calling this press conference, and this is my very first time addressing the press, and for just one single reason,” he told journalists.
He recalled first learning of the claims in 2014 when he received a DHL package from Ibadan containing photographs, documents, and a birth certificate listing “Adeleke David” as the father, alongside a letter from the child’s grandmother.
Grandmother’s Appeal and Initial DNA Test
The grandmother, a widow who lost her husband years ago and raised two daughters alone, had written to Adeleke asking him to persuade Davido to undergo a paternity test. She emphasized she was not seeking marriage or financial gain, only confirmation and responsibility.
“I immediately contacted the family and assured them that if the child was truly my granddaughter, she would be welcomed into our family,” Adeleke said.
He arranged for a DNA test at Vedic Lifecare Hospital in Lagos, with samples analyzed in South Africa. Saliva samples, not blood, were taken in the presence of Davido, himself, the child, the mother, and the grandmother. Only these parties were allowed into the testing room.
Multiple DNA Tests Confirm Negative Result
The first test returned a 0.00 per cent probability of paternity, confirming Davido was not the father. Adeleke said he personally suggested conducting two additional DNA tests at reputable centers to remove any doubt, covering accommodation and logistics for the family while they stayed in Lagos. All subsequent tests confirmed the same result.
“The grandmother broke down and cried. I told her mistakes could happen and suggested two more DNA tests at other reputable centers. I offered to keep them in Lagos for a week at my expense so additional tests could be carried out,” he said.
Refusal to Publish DNA Results
Despite calls for public disclosure, Adeleke declined, citing security and legal concerns. “It is dangerous for anyone’s DNA profile to be in the public domain,” he said, warning that releasing such data could expose both Davido and the minor to serious risks.
Adeleke emphasized that the family had no financial motive to deny a child, noting he already has 14 grandchildren. “What is one more?” he said. “Is it that I cannot afford to take care of her? But there is science. And science is clear.”
Kemi Olunloyo Accused of Impersonation
Adeleke also highlighted the role of social media narratives, accusing Kemi Olunloyo of impersonating both the child and her mother online to sustain public attention on the matter. He urged the public to disregard misleading online content.
Full video of Dr Deji Adeleke’s press conference is available.
