King Sunny Ade’s Family Feud: Is the Music Legend Being Held Hostage?

The legendary King Sunny Ade (KSA), Nigeria’s undisputed Juju maestro, has spent decades serenading the world with his golden guitar strings and mesmerizing rhythms. But behind the scenes of his illustrious career, a storm is brewing—one that threatens to tarnish the harmony of his legacy.

A shocking public outburst from his daughter, Damilola Esther, has set social media ablaze with allegations that her stepbrother, Dayo Adegeye, is holding the music icon hostage—controlling his finances, restricting his movements, and even booking him for shows without his full consent.

Read: OSINACHI’S HUSBAND SENTENCED TO DEATH: The Shocking End to a Gospel Star’s Tragic Marriage

But is this a case of genuine concern for an aging legend, or simply a bitter family feud playing out in the public eye?

“Where Is My Father?” – Damilola’s Explosive Accusations

Damilola Esther didn’t hold back. In a series of fiery social media posts, she accused Dayo of isolating their father, cutting off his communication, and mismanaging his finances.

“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 demanded in one post.

In another, she went further, calling for Dayo’s arrest: “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.”

Her words sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment scene. Fans, journalists, and industry insiders began asking: Is King Sunny Ade truly in danger?

Dayo Fires Back: “My Father Is Hale and Hearty”

Dayo Adegeye, the accused son, didn’t stay silent. In an exclusive interview with The Punch, he dismissed Damilola’s claims as baseless and insisted that KSA was in good health—still performing, still in control.

“The allegation is false,” Dayo stated firmly. “On Saturday (April 26, 2025), my dad performed at the 60th birthday party of a fan. He still had rehearsals with members of his band last week. He will perform in Akure on May 1.”

He painted a picture of a father still passionate about his craft, far from being a helpless captive. But he didn’t stop there. Dayo suggested that Damilola might not be in the right state of mind, recalling a recent phone call between her and KSA.

“On Easter Sunday, she called me and said she wanted to speak with dad… They spoke for about 30 minutes. I then told her that if she wanted to see him, she could come to Nigeria.”

Yet, Dayo’s tone turned sharp when addressing Damilola’s social media outburst. “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.”

“I’m Not His Official Manager” – Dayo Clarifies His Role

One of the biggest questions in this saga is: Who exactly is managing King Sunny Ade?

Damilola referred to Dayo as KSA’s manager, but Dayo insists he’s only stepping in to help.

“I am not an official manager. I just assist my father. I have my businesses. I don’t have any employment letter, and I am not on the payroll.”

According to Dayo, this arrangement was never planned—it was born out of necessity. “He asked me to help him handle certain things, pending the time he gets someone in that position… This is like paying him back for all the things he has done for me.”

But if Dayo isn’t the official manager, then who is? And why hasn’t a formal replacement been appointed? These lingering questions add fuel to the fire of suspicion.

Another Son Speaks: “Daddy Is Fine”

David Adegeye, another of KSA’s sons, also weighed in, backing Dayo’s account.

“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 evidence that he is fine.”

David’s assurance might calm some nerves, but it doesn’t fully explain why KSA’s usual associates—including respected journalist Olawale Olaleye—claim they can no longer reach him.

The Mysterious Disappearance: “Nobody Can Reach KSA Anymore”

Olawale Olaleye, a veteran journalist, dropped a bombshell revelation. He disclosed that Damilola had reached out to him, expressing fears that “something sinister” was happening to her father.

Even more alarming? Olaleye confirmed that multiple associates who once had direct access to KSA could no longer contact him.

“Curiously, everyone who could reach KSA at a dial could not anymore,” he wrote.

This raises a critical question: If KSA is truly free and in good health, why has he suddenly become unreachable to long-time friends and industry colleagues?

A Legend’s Legacy at Risk

King Sunny Ade is more than just a musician—he’s a cultural icon, a living legend whose influence stretches across generations. At 78 years old, he deserves peace, respect, and the freedom to choose how he spends his golden years.

But this family feud threatens to overshadow his legacy. Whether this is a case of financial exploitation, sibling rivalry, or simply miscommunication, one thing is clear: The public deserves transparency.

Dayo promised that KSA would release a statement within 24 hours to clear the air. But until then, fans are left wondering:

• Is King Sunny Ade truly okay?

• Why can’t his old friends reach him?

• Is this a family dispute… or something darker?

One thing is certain—the world is watching. And until the Juju king himself speaks, the rumors will only grow louder.