Dr. Deji Adeleke, billionaire businessman and father of award-winning singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has publicly addressed longstanding paternity claims involving his son, describing them as unfounded and unnecessary.
The claims, made by an Ibadan-based woman, Ayo Labinjo, allege that she had a sexual relationship with Davido during a visit to Ibadan several years ago, which resulted in the birth of a baby girl, Anuoluwapo, on November 19, 2013. She has maintained that the singer has refused to take responsibility for the child.
The issue resurfaced recently after Anu, via her Instagram page, appealed to Davido to conduct a fresh DNA test to confirm whether or not he is her biological father. In response, Davido stated that five DNA tests had already been conducted, all of which returned negative results.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Dr. Adeleke confirmed his son’s position, stating that multiple DNA tests had conclusively shown that 12-year-old Anuoluwapo is not Davido’s child. While stressing that Davido cannot take responsibility for a child that is not his, he added that the child deserves to know her true biological father.
“I am Deji Adeleke, father of five children. Davido is the youngest of my children,” he said. “This is the first time I am addressing the press, and I am doing so because this issue keeps resurfacing every year.”
Dr. Adeleke disclosed that he first became aware of the allegation in 2014 after receiving a package from Ibadan containing photographs of Davido and the child, documents, and a birth certificate listing “Adeleke David” as the father, alongside a letter from the child’s grandmother.
According to him, the grandmother, a widow, appealed for a paternity test, stating clearly that she was not seeking marriage or financial gain but wanted confirmation and responsibility if Davido was indeed the father.
Adeleke said he immediately contacted the family and assured them that he would accept the child as his granddaughter if paternity was confirmed. He personally arranged the first DNA test at Vedic Lifecare Hospital in Lagos, with samples sent to South Africa for analysis.
“Saliva samples were taken from Davido and the child in the presence of all parties. Both the grandmother and I were designated to receive the results,” he explained.
He said the result showed a zero percent probability of paternity, confirming that Davido was not the father. Despite this, he suggested additional tests to remove all doubts, offering to cover accommodation and logistics for the family in Lagos.
“Altogether, five DNA tests were conducted at different reputable centres, and all confirmed the same result,” Adeleke said.
Addressing public demands for the DNA reports to be released, Adeleke declined, citing security and legal concerns.
“It is dangerous for anyone’s DNA profile to be in the public domain. It poses serious risks, especially when a minor is involved,” he said.
He stressed that the Adeleke family has nothing to gain from denying a child, noting that he already has 14 grandchildren.
“What is one more? Is it about money? No. But science is science, and the results are clear,” he stated.
Dr. Adeleke concluded by urging the public to disregard what he described as misleading and false narratives surrounding the issue, adding that the family remains committed to truth, responsibility, and due process.
