Davido's Paternity Saga: The Unending Drama of Women, Secrets, and Legal Battles
The life of David Adeleke, globally known as Davido, is a tapestry woven with chart-topping Afrobeats hits and relentless personal controversies. As the sun sets over Lagos, casting shadows on his monumental success, the clouds of paternity claims and romantic entanglements continue to loom large. This retrospective explores the psychological toll on his children, the legal skirmishes, and the quest for marital stability amidst a carousel of allegations.
The Labinjoh Claim: A Decade-Long Shadow Over a 12-Year-Old
The latest chapter in Davido's ongoing saga revolves around Ayo Labinjoh, an Ibadan-based woman who first made headlines in 2017. Her daughter, Anuoluwapo Mitchelle, recently appeared on Instagram with eyes reflecting a sadness beyond her years, detailing bullying at school over questions about her father's identity. Labinjoh demands ultimate justice through a definitive DNA test, alleging manipulation in a 2014 test and threatening to involve the United States Embassy for rigorous intervention.
Davido's response has been one of exasperation. I have done five DNA tests, and they all came back negative, he posted, describing the situation as a decade-long campaign of harassment and extortion. Despite his denials, Labinjoh remains steadfast, highlighting the persistent nature of these claims that refuse to fade away.
Retrospective on High-Profile Battles: From Sophia Momodu to Larissa London
To grasp the full weight of the Labinjoh saga, one must revisit the trail of broken hearts and legal battles that have marked Davido's journey since his rise with Dami Duro. The first major dent came with Sophia Momodu, niece of media mogul Dele Momodu. Their romance turned into a bitter custody war after the birth of their daughter, Imade, in 2015, culminating in a dramatic airport confrontation and accusations of child trafficking.
Sophia's recent social media posts hint at ongoing co-parenting challenges, a reminder that past fires still smolder. Meanwhile, across borders, Amanda, an American-based student, gave birth to Hailey in 2017, followed by rumors of a son with London makeup artist Larissa London. Davido's delayed acknowledgment of Dawson as his son added layers to this complex narrative of fatherhood spread across continents.
Chioma Rowland: The Anchor Amidst Storms
Amidst these storms, Chioma Rowland has been Davido's most profound anchor. Their relationship, immortalized in the song Assurance, survived infidelity and the tragic loss of their son, Ifeanyi. Their grand wedding in 2024 symbolized a move toward stability, yet the ghosts of Davido's past, including the Anita Brown and Ivanna Bay scandals, refused to stay buried.
In 2023, Anita Brown, a US-based model, unleashed a digital hurricane with claims of pregnancy, while French socialite Ivanna Bay echoed similar allegations. These scandals erupted as Davido promoted his Timeless album, creating a stark contrast between professional triumph and personal turmoil.
Wealth, Fame, and the Heavy Price of Celebrity
Davido's narrative is often framed by his Omo Baba Olowo persona, with critics arguing that his financial power grants impunity in navigating scandals. Supporters, however, see a victim of fame, targeted by women seeking a payday. The truth likely lies in a messy middle ground: a young man who achieved immense wealth and stardom before developing the emotional maturity to handle its consequences.
As neon lights illuminate Lagos, Davido's story remains unfinished. The Labinjoh case epitomizes the unfinished business of his youth, with echoes from Sophia, Amanda, Larissa, Anita, and others humming in the background. Despite marital assurance with Chioma, the paternity dramas underscore the heavy price paid in the glare of public consumption.
