LAGOS (Sundiata Post) – A public dispute has erupted among the children of Nigerian juju music legend, Sunday Adegeye, famously known as King Sunny Ade (KSA), following concerns about his health and inaccessibility.
One of his daughters, Damilola Esther, took to social media with serious accusations against her step-brother, Dayo, who she claims is restricting their father’s movements and access to communication. She alleged that Dayo, who she described as KSA’s acting manager, was exploiting the music icon and concealing his whereabouts.
In one of her posts, Damilola wrote, “Dad told my brother that he wants to go home. Where is he? Where are his phones? He has not been online or picking his calls. Where is he?” Another post read, “I want Dayo (manager) apprehended. I want him to provide all the money they have been stealing from him. He has a UK visa, thinking he can run.”
In reaction, Dayo denied all claims in an interview with The PUNCH, insisting that their father is healthy and recently active. “The allegation is false,” he said, explaining that King Sunny Ade performed at a private event in Lagos on April 26 and has rehearsed recently with his band ahead of another show slated for May 1 in Akure.
He further clarified his role, saying, “I am not an official manager. I just assist my father. I have my businesses. As I explained to her (Damilola), I don’t have any employment letter, and I am not on the payroll.” Dayo added that he only stepped in to help manage his father’s affairs temporarily, at the musician’s request.
He also suggested Damilola’s mental state may have influenced her posts, noting, “She is not in the right frame of mind for her to have made those posts… The moment she started making nasty comments about dad, she crossed the line.”
Another son, David, echoed Dayo’s position, dismissing the allegations and asserting that their father was not under any form of distress. “As I’m speaking with you, daddy is fine. He is not working under duress. He just finished an event,” he said.
However, journalist Olawale Olaleye weighed in, stating that even long-time associates have found it increasingly difficult to reach KSA. In a social media post, he revealed that Damilola had contacted him over her concerns and that others had also tried and failed to get through to the music icon.
“Curiously, everyone who could reach KSA at a dial could not anymore,” Olaleye wrote, indicating a noticeable change in accessibility.
Dayo concluded by urging the public to disregard the online claims and noted that King Sunny Ade would be issuing a statement personally to address the situation
