Afrobeats superstar Davido has reportedly decided to withdraw his legal petition for the joint custody of his daughter, Imade Adeleke. The move, announced on February 14, 2026, follows an emotionally charged hearing at the Lagos State High Court where the singer’s legal team cited deep concerns over the direction of the proceedings. Davido clarified that his primary goal was never to seek full custody but to secure a formal joint parenting arrangement with the child’s mother, Sophia Momodu. However, the singer expressed profound disappointment, describing the legal battle as a “no-win situation” where only their daughter ultimately suffers from the public friction.
The decision to discontinue the suit was reportedly triggered by a “low blow” during cross-examination, where opposing counsel referenced the tragic 2022 passing of his late son, Ifeanyi. Davido took to social media to vent his frustration, stating that he could not tolerate his deceased child being used as a tactical “last card” in a custody dispute. Beyond the emotional toll, his camp highlighted the need to shield Imade from “online intimidation” and the toxicity of public drama that has surrounded the case since 2024. While he is stepping back from the courtroom, the singer maintained that he has always fulfilled his paternal duties—including school fees and welfare—and expressed confidence that Imade will grow up knowing he fought to be an active presence in her life. For now, the Afrobeats icon says he is choosing peace over a protracted legal war.
