There is ongoing family tension involving King Sunny Ade (KSA), as some of his children are publicly clashing over concerns about his well-being and management.
One of his daughters, Damilola Esther, accused her stepbrother Dayo of isolating their father, mismanaging his bookings, and misappropriating funds. She alleged on social media that Dayo was preventing KSA from going home, hiding his phones, and essentially “holding him hostage.” She further called for Dayo to be apprehended and claimed he was planning to flee the country using his UK visa.
In response, Dayo denied all accusations in an interview with The PUNCH. He insisted their father is in good health, recently performed publicly, and remains active with his band. He also said he is not KSA’s official manager, merely assisting him. Dayo claims Damilola is not in Nigeria and that her mental state might have influenced her allegations. According to him, KSA spoke with her for 30 minutes over Easter and she was invited to visit Nigeria if she wanted to see him.
Dayo emphasized that her public criticism crossed a line and confirmed that King Sunny Ade plans to make a statement to clarify matters. He invited anyone with doubts to attend the singer’s upcoming performance in Akure on May 1.
The dispute over King Sunny Ade’s (KSA) well-being has intensified, with multiple family members and outsiders weighing in amid growing public concern.
Dayo Adegeye, one of KSA’s sons, clarified he is not the official manager, explaining that he is merely assisting their father in the absence of a formal manager. He emphasized that his role came about informally at KSA’s request and insisted he receives no salary or official title. “This is like paying him back,” Dayo said, referencing his father’s decades-long dedication to music and confirming KSA still enjoys performing after nearly six decades on stage.
Another son, David, also stepped in, asserting that Damilola’s claims were fabricated. “Daddy is fine,” he told reporters, insisting there was no coercion or misconduct behind the scenes. He offered to provide proof and further information to clear up the situation.
However, respected journalist Olawale Olaleye offered a contrasting account. In a post, he revealed that KSA is allegedly no longer accessible to longtime contacts. He said Damilola had privately reached out to him, concerned that something sinister might be happening. Another associate had also tried — unsuccessfully — to book KSA for an event, raising further questions about the singer’s availability and the transparency of his management.
With Dayo promising an official statement from KSA soon and tensions rising, the situation appears far from resolved.#newsafro_
