Nigerian gospel singer and televangelist Pastor Joseph Adelakun has broken his silence following a viral video in which his daughter, Funmi Adelakun, publicly accused him of restricting her freedom and deploying agents to track her down. In a press statement shared on his Instagram page, the 77-year-old pastor dismissed the claims as "false, misleading, and defamatory," and issued a stern warning to those spreading the footage online, stating that his legal team had been activated to pursue anyone still circulating it.
Funmi's Allegations Against Her Father
Before the pastor's response, Funmi, 37, had released several videos containing alarming accusations against her father. She alleged that despite repeatedly requesting her independence, she had received information from trusted sources that Pastor Adelakun was actively hunting for her, particularly after he discovered which state she was living in. According to Funmi, he had sent security personnel to search for her and laid traps through various channels.
She also claimed that individuals close to him had reached out under the guise of offering help, only to probe her for her exact whereabouts. "Tell this person who calls himself my father to give me my freedom," she said in the video. She further alleged that security agents had previously been instructed to detain and return anyone who looked like her, describing the behaviour as not new. "Despite crying out to you that at my age, I am not a kid that you should give me my freedom. Give me my liberation. Stop making my life be around your compound, your house, and your so-called church… let me have my own life," she added.
Pastor Adelakun's Press Statement
Responding to the furore, Adelakun denied all the allegations and described the publications as an attack on his reputation. Rather than addressing the specific claims point by point, his statement focused on the spread of the content itself, urging people to disregard what he called a damaging narrative. His warning to those sharing the video was pointed, instructing them to "stop circulating it" and confirming that his lawyers were already handling the matter.
In his Instagram reaction, the pastor wrote: "My attention has been drawn to a false and defamatory video being circulated by my daughter, Funmi Adelakun. The claims are entirely untrue and misleading. I have instructed my lawyers to take immediate action against anyone who continues to circulate this content. I urge the public to disregard it."
Legal Implications and Public Reaction
The pastor's legal warning has sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting his right to defend his reputation while others call for a more empathetic approach to family disputes. The case highlights the complexities of public figures dealing with personal matters in the age of social media, where viral content can quickly escalate into legal battles.
As of now, Funmi has not responded to her father's statement. The matter continues to generate widespread discussion across Nigerian social media platforms.
