Billionaire Businessman Deji Adeleke Addresses Paternity Allegations Against Son Davido
Prominent Nigerian billionaire and businessman, Deji Adeleke, has publicly addressed the ongoing paternity claims made against his famous son, the award-winning singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido. The issue resurfaced recently when a young woman named Ayo Labinjo, based in Ibadan, insisted she had intimate relations with Davido during his visit to the city years ago, resulting in the birth of a baby girl named Anuoluwapo on November 19, 2013.
Background of the Paternity Claims
The controversy gained traction online after Anu, through her Instagram page, appealed to Davido to conduct a fresh DNA test to confirm her paternity. In response, Davido stated that five DNA tests had already been conducted, all yielding negative results. This prompted his father, Deji Adeleke, to hold a press conference—his first ever—to clarify the situation and provide detailed insights into the matter.
Deji Adeleke's Detailed Account
During the press conference, Deji Adeleke described the paternity claims as unnecessary and emphasized that multiple DNA test results have consistently shown that 12-year-old Anuoluwapo is not Davido's child. He explained that while his son cannot take responsibility for a child that does not belong to him, Anu deserves to know her true father.
According to Adeleke, he first became aware of the allegation in 2014 when he received a DHL package from Ibadan. The package contained photographs of Davido and the child, a birth certificate listing "Adeleke David" as the father, and a letter from the child's grandmother. The grandmother, a widow, appealed to him to persuade Davido to undergo a paternity test, stressing that she was not seeking marriage or financial extortion, but only confirmation and responsibility.
The DNA Testing Process
Adeleke immediately contacted the family and assured them of his willingness to accept the child if proven to be his granddaughter. He personally arranged a DNA test at Vedic Lifecare Hospital in Lagos, with samples sent to South Africa for analysis. On the appointed day, saliva samples were collected from Davido and the child in the presence of all parties, including Adeleke, the grandmother, the mother, and the child.
The results showed a 0.00% probability of paternity, confirming that Davido was not the father. Despite this, Adeleke suggested conducting two additional DNA tests at other reputable centers to eliminate any doubt, offering to cover accommodation and logistics costs for the family during their stay in Lagos. Multiple tests were eventually conducted, all yielding the same conclusion.
Security and Legal Concerns
Addressing calls for the DNA reports to be made public, Adeleke refused, citing significant security and legal concerns. He stated, "It is dangerous for anyone’s DNA profile to be in the public domain," adding that releasing such data could expose Davido and the minor to serious risks. He emphasized that the Adeleke family has nothing to gain from denying a child, noting that he already has 14 grandchildren and would happily welcome another if science confirmed the relationship.
Conclusion and Appeal to the Public
Deji Adeleke concluded by urging the public to disregard misleading online narratives surrounding the case, describing them as driven by impersonation and misinformation. He reiterated that science has provided clear answers, and the matter should be put to rest to protect all parties involved.
