Popular Nigerian musician David Adeleke, professionally known as Davido, has formally denied paternity of a minor, Anuoluwapo, following repeated demands by her mother, Ms. Ayo Labinjoh, for a DNA test to establish biological parentage.
The controversy resurfaced on January 15, 2025, after an Instagram account managed by Ms. Labinjoh published a public appeal purportedly authored on behalf of the child. The post alleged that the minor had suffered prolonged bullying and emotional distress and requested that Mr. Adeleke submit to a DNA test to conclusively determine paternity.
In response, Mr. Adeleke, via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, rejected the claim and cautioned Ms. Labinjoh against further contact. He asserted that multiple DNA tests had previously been conducted at the insistence of his father and that all results excluded him as the biological father of the child.
Ms. Labinjoh subsequently challenged this assertion, releasing alleged private communications between the child and Mr. Adeleke. She further claimed that she met the singer in Ibadan, where she was employed at the time, and alleged that he ceased communication after becoming aware of her pregnancy. She disputed the claim that multiple DNA tests were conducted, maintaining that only one test took place and alleging that its outcome was compromised.
In an effort to obtain what she described as an impartial determination, Ms. Labinjoh stated her intention to seek the involvement of the United States Embassy to oversee an independent DNA test, citing Mr. Adeleke’s United States citizenship.
Public reactions to the renewed dispute have been divided, with some commentators urging Ms. Labinjoh to discontinue the matter, while others have called on Mr. Adeleke to submit to a fresh DNA test in the interest of transparency and the child’s welfare.
The paternity claim is longstanding, having first been raised in 2017 when the child was three years old. Although an initial DNA test reportedly conducted in 2014 excluded Mr. Adeleke, Ms. Labinjoh has consistently disputed the validity of that result. The matter re-emerged in 2018 with a renewed appeal for further testing.
When approached for comment, Ms. Labinjoh declined further interviews, citing security concerns and the psychological well-being of herself and her daughter. She reiterated her position that only one DNA test had ever been conducted.
The ongoing dispute highlights the complex legal and social implications surrounding paternity claims involving public figures, particularly in the context of heightened social media attention.#newsafro_
