Internal conflict has emerged within the family of Nigerian music icon, King Sunny Ade (KSA), as concerns grow over his condition and accessibility.
Damilola Esther, one of the children of the legendary juju musician, went public with serious accusations against her step-brother, Dayo, claiming he is restricting their father’s movements and mishandling his affairs.
Taking to social media, Damilola alleged that Dayo—who she says has taken on the role of her father’s manager—has been orchestrating performances and controlling finances without proper accountability. She also expressed concern over the musician’s apparent lack of communication, asking pointedly,
“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?”
In another post, she wrote, “I want Dayo (manager) apprehended. I want him to provide all the money they have been stealing from him. He has a UK visa, thinking he can run.”
Responding to the allegations in an interview with The PUNCH, Dayo refuted the claims and insisted that their father is in good health and continuing with his regular engagements.
“The allegation is false. On Saturday (April 26, 2025), my dad performed at the 60th birthday party of a fan. The event took place at 16 Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. He still had rehearsals with members of his band last week. He will perform in Akure on May 1,” he stated.
Dayo denied being KSA’s official manager, saying he was only stepping in temporarily. “I am not an official manager. I just assist my father. I have my businesses. As I explained to her (Damilola), I don’t have any employment letter, and I am not on the payroll.”
He also noted that Damilola had previously spoken to their father and questioned her state of mind.
“On Easter Sunday, she called me and said she wanted to speak with dad, because she doesn’t live in Nigeria. I gave the phone to my dad, and they spoke for about 30 minutes,” he said.
“She (Damilola) is not in the right frame of mind for her to have made those posts… The moment she started making nasty comments about dad, she crossed the line. You cannot speak ill of my father and expect me to still reckon with you, no matter who you are.”
Dayo revealed that King Sunny Ade plans to issue a public statement soon, saying,
“KSA will release a statement on social media within 24 hours. And if you are free, you can join him in Akure for his performance on May 1. He will be glad to have an interaction with you, and answer questions on what you have heard on social media about him.”
Another of KSA’s sons, David, also dismissed Damilola’s concerns, suggesting she was fabricating the claims. “As I’m speaking with you, daddy is fine. He is not working under duress. He just finished an event. I can tell you with proof and evidences that he is fine,” he told The PUNCH.
However, veteran journalist Olawale Olaleye weighed in, suggesting that concerns about KSA’s accessibility might be valid. He shared that both Damilola and another individual had contacted him, saying they could no longer reach the iconic musician and needed help connecting with him for a booking.
“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…” Olaleye wrote in a social media post.
As the story unfolds, the public awaits King Sunny Ade’s promised statement to clarify his current situation.
