There is growing tension within the family of legendary juju musician, Sunday Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA), over concerns about his welfare and management.
One of his daughters, Damilola Esther, recently raised an alarm on social media, accusing her step-brother, Dayo, of allegedly holding their father against his will and mismanaging his affairs. She claimed Dayo had been booking events for KSA without fulfilling the engagements and called for his arrest, accusing him of financial misconduct.
In one of her posts, Damilola wrote, “Dad told my brother he wants to go home. Where is he? Where are his phones? He has not been online or answering calls. Where is he?”
She further demanded, “I want Dayo apprehended. He should account for the money they have been taking from him. He has a UK visa and may attempt to escape.”
Reacting to the allegations, Dayo, in an exclusive interview with Punch Online on Monday, dismissed the claims, insisting their father is in good health.
He clarified that he is not KSA’s official manager but only assists him when needed.
“The allegations are false,” Dayo said. “On Saturday, April 26, my father performed at a 60th birthday party at 16 Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. He also had rehearsals last week and is scheduled to perform in Akure, Ondo State, on May 1.”
Dayo also explained that Damilola’s concerns may be unfounded due to her absence from Nigeria, recalling a recent conversation she had with KSA during which they spoke for about 30 minutes.
He added, “She does not live here. I suggested she visit if she truly wanted to see him. It is wrong for her to make such accusations publicly.”
According to him, King Sunny Ade would release a formal statement to address the matter within 24 hours and was looking forward to meeting fans during his upcoming performance.
Dayo reiterated that his role was voluntary and borne out of gratitude, not formal employment.
“I am not on any payroll. I am simply helping my father as he requested, pending the appointment of a full-time manager,” he said. “Performing is something he enjoys and has done for nearly 60 years. We cannot just take that away from him.”
Another son of the music icon, David, also spoke in defence of Dayo, dismissing Damilola’s claims as baseless.
“As I speak to you, our father is fine. He is working out of his own free will. I have evidence to prove this,” David said in a separate interview.
He assured the public there was no cause for alarm regarding KSA’s health or wellbeing.
