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Dele Momodu Confirms Talks To Resolve Davido, Sophia Custody Dispute

The dispute centres on the custody and care arrangements for Imade Adeleke, the singer’s first child with Sophia, born 2015.

By Nosakhale Akhimien
Updated February 19, 2026
Twitter
Sophia Momodu, Dele Momodu, and Davido

 

 

African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and publisher Dele Momodu has said efforts are ongoing within the family to resolve the child custody dispute between music star Davido and his cousin, Sophia Momodu.

Momodu disclosed via Instagram that he had received numerous messages from fans urging him to intervene in the tensions.

Posting from Liberia, where he said he was visiting to commiserate with former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor over the loss of her son.

“Here in Liberia, @davido is treated as the god of music… Since landing here, I have been inundated with messages from fans of David, and ladies who love @thesophiamomodu to bits… One of them… said I should step in and settle the ‘quarrels.’

“My dear Sister, thanks so much. Nothing to worry about. Everything is going to be alright… We are working behind the scenes. Pls keep everyone in your prayers,” he wrote.

READ ALSO: Davido Drops Custody Battle Over Daughter Imade

Momodu’s comments signal ongoing private efforts within the extended family to de-escalate tensions and reach a mutually acceptable arrangement.

The dispute centres on the custody and care arrangements for Imade Adeleke, the singer’s first child with Sophia, born on May 14, 2015.

The custody disagreement formally entered the courts in April 2024, when Davido approached the Lagos State High Court seeking joint custody and unrestricted access to his daughter.

Sophia opposed the request, maintaining that she had never denied him access and remained the child’s primary caregiver.

The matter went through several hearings and settlement attempts without resolution.

The case resurfaced prominently after a hearing on February 13, 2026, during which tensions reportedly escalated in court. Issues relating to child safety were raised, including references to the 2022 death of Davido’s son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, whom he had with Chioma Rowland.

Following the exchange, proceedings were paused. When the session resumed, the court reportedly asked the singer to apologise for his reaction, which he declined. He subsequently opted to discontinue the suit.

Davido Confirms Case Withdrawal

 

Photo: David Adeleke aka Davido

 

Davido publicly confirmed his decision in posts shared on X.

“I never asked for full custody; I asked for joint custody. Nobody won, nobody lost, but Imade, so I don’t know why some people are celebrating… there’s nothing to celebrate.”

He added, “I’ve decided to drop the case because when I was spanking that lawyer in the courtroom… she would get so frustrated… until she brought out her last card! My Deceased Son! That’s a No No! Lowest blow! My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her. Let’s move on, One love!”

In another message, he wrote,  “You’re constantly bringing up the death of my child at any point you can… Imade will grow up to see I fought for her. As for now, you can have her… Your father loves you!”

The singer maintained that he had intended to formalise a structured co-parenting arrangement rather than seek sole custody.

Meanwhile, Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, which represents Sophia, issued a statement responding to Davido’s public comments about one of its partners, Ebelechukwu Enedah.

The firm said, “That matter is sub judice. It will be decided by the court alone, on evidence and law, and no amount of media commentary will sway that process or our approach to the case.”

It also warned against any attempts to intimidate counsel, stressing that the administration of justice depends on “fearless advocacy” and urging the legal community to condemn harassment of practitioners.

 

Backstory 

 

The custody battle followed years of public and private disagreements between the parents over co-parenting responsibilities.

At various points, Sophia suggested she might change Imade’s surname, citing her role as primary caregiver, while Davido previously alleged he had provided significant financial support, including accommodation and transport for the child.

Despite the disputes, both parents have repeatedly expressed commitment to their daughter’s welfare.

With the withdrawal of the suit, the legal proceedings have effectively paused, leaving existing informal arrangements in place.

Davido has said his priority is to “move on” while remaining actively involved in his daughter’s life.

As of this report, Sophia has not issued a detailed public statement on the latest development.

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