Billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Dr Deji Adeleke, on Wednesday publicly addressed long-standing allegations linking his son, Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, to a 12-year-old girl, Anuoluwapo.
Dr Adeleke dismissed claims that Davido is the biological father of the Ibadan-based child, describing the allegations as false and fuelled by misinformation, including impersonation by controversial social media commentator Kemi Olunloyo.
He revealed that he has five children — three sons and two daughters — with Davido being the youngest, and 14 grandchildren, stressing that the family would welcome another grandchild if a biological link were confirmed.
“I am Deji Adeleke. I am the father of five children, three boys and two girls. David Adeleke, who you all know as Davido, is the baby of the family; he is the last,” he said.
Dr Adeleke explained that the paternity claims have resurfaced repeatedly on social media over the years, despite his absence from such platforms.
“This is my first time addressing the press, and it is for one reason. Almost every year, the same story resurfaces about a little girl called Anuoluwapo in Ibadan, with allegations that David is her father. These claims have been repeatedly promoted by Kemi Olunloyo,” he said.
He traced the controversy to 2014, when he received a DHL package from Ibadan containing photographs of the child, a birth certificate listing “Adeleke David” as the father, and a letter from the child’s grandmother requesting a paternity test.
“The grandmother wrote that she was a widow who raised two daughters alone. She explained that her eldest daughter claimed David Adeleke was responsible for her pregnancy after meeting him at a show in Ibadan. She requested a DNA test to establish paternity and responsibility, not marriage or financial inducement,” Dr Adeleke said.
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The billionaire said he immediately contacted the family, verified their address, and arranged a DNA test at Vedic Lifecare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos. Saliva samples from Davido and the child were collected in the presence of both families and sent to South Africa for analysis.
“On the appointed day, my driver brought the mother, the grandmother, and the child to Lagos. David, myself, and his aide met them at the hospital. Only David, myself, the grandmother, the mother, and the child were allowed into the room. Samples were taken using saliva, not blood, and sealed for analysis,” he explained.
Dr Adeleke said the results showed a 0.00 per cent probability of paternity, confirming Davido is not the father. He added that five DNA tests over the years consistently ruled out paternity.
“The grandmother broke down and cried. I suggested two more DNA tests at other reputable centres, which we carried out at my expense,” he said.
He refused to release the DNA reports publicly, citing privacy and security risks, warning that exposing genetic data could endanger both Davido and the minor.
Dr Adeleke urged the public to ignore misleading online stories, particularly recent social media posts purportedly from Anu, requesting DNA tests and alleging emotional distress.
Davido had previously responded to the claims, denying any contact with the child’s mother, Ayo Labinjoh, describing the allegations as obsessive, and referencing the negative DNA results.
Dr Adeleke concluded by emphasising the family’s goodwill and called for an end to the persistent narrative.
