Davido Withdraws From Custody Case as Legal Drama Sparks Public Debate

A new wave of controversy has emerged in the custody dispute between Afrobeats superstar Davido and the mother of his daughter, Sophia Momodu, after the singer announced his decision to discontinue the legal proceedings.

Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, disclosed late Friday that he had withdrawn from the case, clarifying that he never sought sole custody of his daughter, Imade, but only requested joint custody.

He emphasized that there was no real victory in the situation, describing it instead as a loss for the child involved.

“I never asked for full custody … I asked for joint custody. Nobody won, nobody lost but Imade … so I don’t know why some people are celebrating. There’s nothing to celebrate,” he wrote on X.

Explaining his decision, the singer alleged that references made during court proceedings to his late son deeply affected him emotionally, describing it as an unacceptable development that influenced his choice to step away from the case.

“My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her … let’s move on. One love!” he added.

The situation escalated further after Davido criticized the opposing legal team on social media, accusing them of unprofessional conduct during proceedings at the Lagos State High Court in Yaba.

The controversy also followed comments by a Lagos-based legal practitioner who had earlier highlighted tense courtroom moments involving the artiste.

In response, the law firm representing Sophia Momodu issued a strongly worded statement defending its conduct and warning against harassment or intimidation of legal practitioners. The firm stressed that the matter remains before a competent court and is therefore sub judice, adding that judicial decisions must be based solely on evidence and law, not public opinion or media pressure.

The statement further called on the Nigerian Bar Association and the global legal community to condemn what it described as threats against legal professionals, emphasizing the importance of fearless advocacy in protecting the rule of law.

Meanwhile, the dispute continues to attract widespread public attention, with fans and observers urging both parties to prioritize peaceful co-parenting despite the tensions.

Opinion: When Private Family Matters Become Public Battles

Celebrity custody disputes often capture public interest, but behind the headlines lies a deeply personal reality — the well-being of a child. Regardless of fame, influence, or legal arguments, situations like this are emotionally complex and rarely produce clear winners.

Davido’s decision to withdraw from the case may reflect the emotional toll such disputes can take, especially when past personal tragedies are involved. At the same time, the legal team’s response highlights another important issue: the need to protect the integrity of the justice system and ensure that professionals can perform their duties without intimidation.

For the public, the most meaningful perspective may be the simplest one — children benefit most when parents find ways to cooperate, communicate, and maintain stability. Courtroom victories rarely replace the value of mutual understanding in co-parenting relationships.

This situation also serves as a reminder that social media reactions often amplify conflicts rather than resolve them. In highly emotional disputes, restraint and privacy sometimes protect families better than public exchanges.

Ultimately, beyond celebrity status, the focus should remain on what truly matters: creating a healthy environment for a child to grow, feel loved, and maintain relationships with both parents.

And in cases like this, maturity and peace often achieve more than legal triumphs.