Tension in King Sunny Ade’s family as children disagree over music legend’s whereabouts
Concerns have emerged among the children of legendary juju musician Sunday Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA), as some family members question his current condition and whereabouts.
One of his daughters, Damilola Esther, took to social media, alleging that her stepbrother, Dayo, was restricting access to their father, booking performances on his behalf, and failing to fulfil those commitments.
She further accused Dayo of financially exploiting KSA and called for his arrest.
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 answering his calls. Where is he?”
In another, she said, “I want Dayo (manager) apprehended. I want him to account for all the money they’ve been stealing. He has a UK visa, thinking he can flee.”
Responding in an exclusive interview with The Punch, Dayo refuted all allegations, insisting that their father was in good health.
He explained that while he is not officially KSA’s manager, he has been helping him manage some tasks.
“The allegations are completely false,” Dayo said. “Just on Saturday, April 26, Dad performed at a 60th birthday celebration at 16 Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. He also had rehearsals last week and is scheduled to perform in Akure on May 1.”
Dayo stated that Damilola, who resides abroad, had spoken with KSA on Easter Sunday for over 30 minutes, and he encouraged her to travel to Nigeria if she wished to see him. He expressed disappointment in her social media remarks.
“She crossed the line when she insulted our father publicly,” he said. “No one who truly respects him would do that.”
He further revealed that KSA would personally address the public within 24 hours to clear the air and invited the public to attend the upcoming Akure event to see the music icon in person.
Clarifying his role, Dayo emphasised: “I’m not on any payroll. I help out because he asked me to. It’s my way of giving back to him for all he’s done. Performing is his passion, and he’s not ready to stop after 59 years.”
Another son, David, also confirmed that their father was doing well. “He’s not under any form of pressure or distress. He just finished a performance, and I have proof to back it up,” he told the publication.
Meanwhile, journalist Olawale Olaleye weighed in, stating that KSA has become increasingly unreachable, even to close associates.
He shared that Damilola had contacted him, expressing concern that something might be wrong, and despite efforts from others to reach KSA for bookings, he remained unavailable.
“Everyone who could previously reach KSA directly can’t anymore. I eventually gave up and returned to my daily life,” Olaleye wrote.
