"Science Doesn't Lie": Davido’s Father Breaks Silence on 12-Year Paternity Drama

Adedeji Adeleke, billionaire businessman and father of Afrobeats superstar Davido, has broken his long-held silence over a paternity allegation that has followed his son for more than a decade.

Why the Case Returned to the Spotlight

In a rare and widely shared press briefing, the usually private education mogul addressed renewed claims linking Davido to a 12-year-old girl whose case has resurfaced online after calls for a new DNA test earlier this month. According to Mr Adeleke, multiple DNA tests conducted over the years have consistently shown that his son is not the biological father of the child.

How the Allegations Began

The elder Adeleke explained that the matter dates back to 2014, when the family first received a legal letter alleging that Davido had fathered and abandoned a child. He said the family immediately pursued scientific verification to establish the truth.

“I received a letter in 2014 claiming my son had impregnated someone and walked away,” he said during the briefing. “Since then, several DNA tests have been carried out, and every single one returned zero probability.”

Clarifying the Child’s Identity

The decision to address the issue publicly marked a departure from Mr Adeleke’s usual approach, as he is known to avoid commenting on family matters. He explained that the press conference was convened to clarify the facts surrounding the ongoing claims involving the young girl, identified in public reports as Anu Mitchell Adeleke, who resides in Ibadan.

Family Distances Itself From Social Media Claims

Mr Adeleke also read a message he said was sent by a relative from the child’s maternal family, distancing themselves from social media accounts allegedly posting about the case.

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According to the message, those accounts were not managed by the family and had been linked to journalist Kemi Olunloyo, with whom they reportedly cut ties years ago.

Allegations Against Journalist Kemi Olunloyo

Addressing Olunloyo directly, Mr Adeleke accused her of repeatedly using online platforms to revive the allegation and cast Davido in a negative light. He also questioned the legality of operating accounts that speak on behalf of a minor.

“She has been after my son for many years,” he said. “Everything she posts about David is negative, and she keeps pushing this narrative.”

‘Science, Not Rejection’

Despite firmly denying the paternity claim, Mr Adeleke stressed that his stance was based solely on science, not personal rejection. He revealed that he would have fully accepted and supported the child had DNA results shown a biological connection.

“I have 14 grandchildren already—what is one more?” he said. “If science proved she was my granddaughter, I would gladly welcome her and take care of her like the others.”

Claims of Willingness to Support

He went on to claim that, even without public acknowledgment, he had been willing in the past to provide support, including education opportunities and financial assistance, if the claim had been validated.

Why DNA Reports Won’t Be Made Public

Mr Adeleke also disclosed that the family has chosen not to release DNA test documents publicly, citing security concerns. However, he hinted that legal action against those continuing to push the allegations may be considered.