The paternity controversy involving Nigerian music star Davido has taken a new turn following a public statement from Ayo Labinjoh, the mother of his alleged teenage daughter, Aanu Adeleke.

This marks Ayo’s first public response since Davido claimed that multiple DNA tests had confirmed that Aanu is not his biological daughter. The singer, reacting to an open letter from Aanu requesting a fresh paternity test, stated that five separate DNA tests showed negative results and insisted he had never met Ayo before. His comments sparked widespread reactions online.

In a statement shared via Aanu’s Instagram page, Ayo Labinjoh countered Davido’s claims, alleging that she met the singer at HQClub and that he later distanced himself from her because he believed she was a sex worker. She further challenged the validity of the DNA tests, insisting that the process was flawed from the beginning.

According to Ayo, Davido’s father allegedly took them to a laboratory rather than a hospital for the test, claiming that her daughter’s blood sample was drawn and later discarded without her knowledge. She described the test results as fake and accused those involved of manipulating the process.

Ayo also alleged that the situation has had a severe impact on her daughter’s mental health over the years, adding that conflicting claims about the number of DNA tests conducted only worsened the distress. She claimed that Davido recently contacted Aanu directly, issuing threats and using abusive language, an allegation that has further fueled public concern.

Calling for transparency, Ayo said she plans to request the involvement of the United States State Department to ensure that an independent and properly supervised DNA test is conducted through the US Embassy in Nigeria. She stressed that the issue is not about financial gain but about her daughter’s right to know her true identity.

Opinion: Beyond Fame, a Child’s Wellbeing Must Come First

While celebrity disputes often play out loudly in public, this case stands out because a child is at the centre of it. Regardless of who is right or wrong, the emotional toll on a teenager navigating identity, public scrutiny and online bullying cannot be ignored.

At this point, clarity and compassion are more important than social media statements. If an independent and transparent DNA test can finally put the matter to rest, it may be the most humane path forward. Fame, wealth and influence should never outweigh a child’s mental health and dignity — and that is a truth both sides, and the public watching closely, must remember.