Family Rift Erupts Over King Sunny Ade’s Whereabouts Amid Allegations of Mismanagement

NEW YORK – JULY 18: Nigerian musician and singer King Sunny Ade and his band perform during the 31st Celebrate Brooklyn Summer Season’s African Festival at the Prospect Park Bandshell on July 18, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/WireImage)

A growing family dispute involving the legendary juju musician Sunday Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA), has sparked public concern after one of his daughters, Damilola Esther, accused her stepbrother, Dayo, of holding the music icon against his will and mismanaging his career.

The dramatic revelation unfolded on social media on Monday, April 28, 2025, where Damilola alleged that her father was being kept away from family and friends, with limited access to communication and public interaction. She claimed Dayo, who she described as his manager, had been “stealing” from KSA, booking him for events without follow-through, and preventing access to the veteran performer.

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Conflicting Accounts Stir Concern Over King Sunny Ade’s Well-being

In a series of emotional posts, Damilola demanded answers about her father’s whereabouts and wellbeing. “Dad told my brother that he wants to go home. Where is he? Where are his phones? He has not been online or picking his calls. Where is he?” she asked in one post. In another, she wrote, “I want Dayo (manager) apprehended. I want him to provide all the money they have been stealing from him.”

However, in a swift rebuttal, Dayo granted an exclusive interview to The PUNCH, where he maintained that KSA was healthy and actively performing. He revealed that KSA had recently performed at a 60th birthday celebration on April 26, 2025, in Victoria Island, Lagos, and is scheduled to perform in Akure, Ondo State, on May 1.

“The allegation is false. He had rehearsals last week with his band. She (Damilola) is not in the right frame of mind,” Dayo said. He also recounted a recent conversation between Damilola and KSA on Easter Sunday, stating that the father and daughter spoke for about 30 minutes. He claimed that the misunderstanding escalated only after Damilola began to “speak ill” of their father.

Clarifying his role, Dayo emphasized that he is not the official manager of King Sunny Ade but only “helping out” in the absence of one. “I don’t have any employment letter, and I am not on the payroll. This is like paying him back for all the things he has done for me,” he stated.

According to him, the arrangement was initiated by KSA himself, who had requested Dayo’s assistance with handling events and logistics until a new manager is formally appointed.

Family Divided as Another Son Defends Dayo

Another son of the legendary musician, David, also came to Dayo’s defence. Speaking with The PUNCH, David affirmed that KSA was fine and not under any duress. “He just finished an event. I can tell you with proof and evidence that he is fine,” he said, adding that he is willing to provide more information if necessary to assure the public of their father’s safety.

David also discredited Damilola’s allegations, describing them as “fabricated” and insisting that their father continues to enjoy his passion for performing on stage, which he has done for nearly six decades.

Journalist Raises Concerns About KSA’s Accessibility

Adding another dimension to the story, respected journalist Olawale Olaleye shared his experience on social media. He revealed that Damilola had reached out to him, expressing concerns that something was wrong with her father and that he had become unreachable.

Olaleye corroborated that several individuals who previously had direct access to KSA were no longer able to reach him. “Curiously, everyone who could reach KSA at a dial could not anymore. And at that point, I gave up and continued with my life of hustling,” he wrote.

His comments have led to increased speculation, as others close to the family now wonder whether the internal family conflict is impacting the icon’s public accessibility and wellbeing.

KSA to Address Public Personally

To calm the growing concerns, Dayo disclosed that King Sunny Ade will release a public statement within 24 hours to address the circulating rumours and clarify his status. He invited journalists and concerned fans to attend his performance in Akure on May 1, where KSA is expected to interact with the public and answer questions.

The unfolding saga has raised important questions about elder care, family dynamics, and the role of social media in airing internal disputes. As fans await the musician’s statement, there is a collective hope that Nigeria‘s beloved music icon remains in good health and retains control over his career and personal affairs.

KSA, who is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential musicians, has enjoyed a stellar career spanning more than five decades. The public now looks to him for clarity amid this storm of allegations and counterclaims within his family.