The billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Dr Deji Adeleke, on Wednesday, publicly addressed for the first time the long-running paternity controversy involving his son, Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, and a young girl, Anuoluwapo, allegedly fathered by the artiste.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Adeleke dismissed the paternity claims as false and accused controversial social media commentator Kemi Olunloyo of impersonating the child and her mother online for years to sustain the allegations.
The controversy centres on Ayo Labinjo, an Ibadan-based woman who claimed she had sexual relations with Davido during one of his visits to the city several years ago, leading to the birth of a baby girl, Anu, whom she alleged the singer abandoned.
The matter resurfaced recently after an Instagram account said to belong to the child appealed to Davido to submit to another DNA test. In response, the singer stated that five DNA tests had already been conducted, all of which returned negative results.
Addressing journalists, Adeleke said he was compelled to speak publicly due to the repeated resurfacing of the issue.
“I am Deji Adeleke, I’m the father of five children, three boys and two girls. David Adeleke, who you all know as Davido, is the baby of my family, he’s the last.
“I’m calling this press conference, and this is my very first time addressing the press, and for just one single reason. I’m not on social media, but I’m sure those of you on social media have been inundated with all kinds of talks about this issue that keeps coming up almost every year, regarding one little girl called Anuoluwapo, who lives in Ibadan, whom Kemi Olunloyo has continually alleged that David is the father of the little girl.”
Addressing calls for the DNA reports to be made public, Adeleke refused, citing security and legal concerns.
“It is dangerous for anyone’s DNA profile to be in the public domain,” he said, adding that releasing such data could expose Davido and the minor to serious risks.
He stressed that the Adeleke family had nothing to gain from denying a child, noting that he already has 14 grandchildren.
“What is one more?” he asked. “Is it that I cannot afford to take care of her? But there is science. And science is clear.”
