Nigerian music megastar Davido has recently filed a lawsuit against Sophia Momodu, seeking joint custody of their daughter, Imade. The legal action was initiated at the Lagos State High Court on April 17, 2024, with the case tagged LD/1587PMC/2024. Davido, whose real name is David Adedeji Adeleke, is aiming for unfettered and unrestricted access to his daughter.
### Key Points from the Legal Dispute:
1. **Sophia Momodu’s Accusations**:
– Sophia Momodu accused Davido of abandoning their daughter, Imade, for the past two years. According to Momodu, Davido has not seen Imade since July 2022, a claim that contradicts his portrayal of being a supportive and active father on social media.
– Momodu also alleged that since ending their relationship in 2022, Davido has threatened her with making her life difficult if she does not make herself sexually available to him.
2. **Davido’s Claims**:
– Davido stated that he has been fulfilling his paternal responsibilities, including paying for Imade’s school fees, providing transportation, and offering accommodation. He mentioned that he bought a condominium in a gated community at Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, for their daughter, but Momodu refused to stay there, insisting on receiving ₦5 million annually for a rented facility.
– He also claimed that he purchased vehicles for Imade’s transportation, but Momodu failed to inform him when one of the vehicles stopped working.
3. **Financial Support and School Fees**:
– Momodu countered Davido’s claims by stating that he stopped paying Imade’s school fees since July 2022. The school reportedly contacted Davido multiple times regarding unpaid fees for the 2021/2022 school term and January 2023, but received no response until Davido’s father, Mr. Adedeji Adeleke, eventually settled the outstanding amounts.
4. **Attempts at Co-Parenting**:
– Momodu revealed that her efforts to establish a formal co-parenting arrangement with Davido have been unsuccessful. She claims that Davido’s lawyers have been uncooperative, resorting instead to using his social influence to isolate her.
– She emphasized that she has never denied Davido access to their daughter and that the issues arose from his demands for access to her body and intimacy.
5. **Moving Forward**:
– Momodu expressed her desire to move forward in life free from harassment and verbal abuse, wishing Davido well in his publicly known relationship. She stressed that the most crucial support Davido can provide is his presence and emotional support for Imade.
This legal battle highlights the complexities and emotional toll of co-parenting disputes, particularly when they involve public figures. Both parties have presented contrasting narratives, underscoring the need for a resolution that prioritizes the well-being and stability of their daughter, Imade.