News
Dele Momodu Speaks on Davido’s Child Custody Battle with Sophia
IduwiniVoice
Dele Momodu Speaks on Davido’s Child Custody Battle with Sophia
By Tobouke JEMINE
The CEO and publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has punched in on the ongoing custody dispute between his niece, Sophia Momodu, and David Adeleke, also known as Davido, expressing his views on the issue.
In a revealing post on his X account on Saturday, Momodu expressed surprise at Davido’s affidavit seeking joint custody of their child, Imade.
Momodu disclosed that their previous conversations had centred only on Davido’s wedding and efforts to reconnect with his daughter.
He also referred to instances when Sophia had granted David access to their daughter and advocated for continued cooperation for the child’s well-being.
Momodu also expressed his belief that the breakdown in communication between Davido and Sophia had contributed to their recent custody dispute.
He wrote: “Last night, I received a distressing message from Mr David Adeleke (aka Davido). He was obviously devastated by the counter-affidavit submitted in court, earlier in the day, in response to his affidavit seeking a joint custody of his daughter with my niece Sophia Momodu.
“I had seen David’s affidavit about two weeks ago, and I was very surprised as David, and I had spoken on a video call days earlier, with him and Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, and he never told me he had any custody issues with my niece. So you can imagine my confusion to find out via social media and subsequently confirmed by my niece that he had filed an action in court seeking joint custody of their daughter.
“During the referenced video call, we were all very excited about his forthcoming wedding ceremony, an event our family congratulated him on. Prior to this, David had told me he eventually spoke to their daughter, after a long lull of about two years.
“He was very happy and excited. So I thought everything was settled and he and Sophia would now have the opportunity of taking maximum care of their daughter. I had offered special thanks to David’s Dad, Dr Adedeji Adeleke, for his kindness and support for our daughter during the period of David’s absence.
“I had also taken Sophia and their daughter to my very dear friend, Governor Ademola Adeleke, seeking his intervention. To the best of my knowledge, there was never a problem of joint custody.
“The issues were: non-payment of school fees for several sessions; non-payment of accommodation and salaries of a nanny. There was no car dedicated to David’s daughter. And so on. Mercifully, I mentioned all to Dr Adedeji Adeleke and he responded positively, like a true grandfather.
“On the issue of non-payment of school fees, David’s Dad cleared everything and also set up payments of future bills. He gave his grand daughter a car to take her to school. The remaining issue was on accommodation.
“David’s Dad verbally offered, in his discussions with me, one of their family apartments in Oniru Estate, Victoria Island, however, maybe due to miscommunication, David’s lawyers had communicated otherwise. After Sophia clarified from me, she politely declined the offer, and her reason was tenable in my view, because, since she’s not married to David, she can’t be comfortable living in a place swarming with David’s family members.
“She and her daughter had been living in Ikoyi before David and Sophia started their latest quarrels. Sophia’s request was that David should pay half of the accommodation while she would pay the other half. David said he could only contribute N5million annually.
“My opinion is that the absence of camaraderie between David and Sophia has caused this debacle. I have cautioned repeatedly that their daughter must not be allowed to suffer or be treated like a second class child. David’s global status makes this imperative.
“Sophia allowed David access to their daughter, provided she has her nanny around 24/7. The 9-year-old herself made this request and I believe this should be favourably considered and accepted. My grand-niece had been released to go out with her cousins on several occasions.
“The Governor’s daughter, Nike, was at Sophia’s house with the Governor’s grandson last Christmas Day, despite the fact that there wasn’t ample notice & she was still granted access.
“Two months ago, the Governor’s son, Sina Rambo, requested a play date between the kids & Sophia rented out a children’s place in Victoria Island for them to spend hours together. The only time she couldn’t join her father’s family was when her grandfather requested to go on vacation with her for three weeks last year, as the notice was too short, and Sophia had already paid for their own trips, due to a lack of communication between the parents.”
“The court yesterday referred the case for possible settlement by the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) section of the court during Settlement Week, and I strongly advise that David (and Sophia) engage truly with the process as opposed to making harmful and irreversible statements on social media which not only violate the law but the interest of their child. I have, in the past 9 years, tried my best to ensure amicable resolution of disputes and encouraged both parents to have a proper structure put in place for the welfare of their daughter.
“It is important to note that Sophia did not instigate this court action and is only seeking to protect their daughter and ensure that there is a structured, safe and sustainable manner in which father and child can engage with each other.
“The vitriolic rhetoric in the media should be avoided by all means, as this only further inflames what is already a traumatic experience for all parties involved, especially the child in question.”
By Divine Perezide
Abuja, Nigeria – July 2, 2025
A major political realignment is underway in Nigeria as leading opposition figures have formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, drew a crowd of influential politicians and political observers. Amongst those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor and Minister for Transport, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
Also present was the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, along with other notable figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
The event marked the formal endorsement of the ADC by a coalition of opposition leaders who are seeking to consolidate forces in a bid to mount serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Sources close to the coalition disclosed that discussions are already underway to restructure the leadership of the ADC to reflect the interests and participation of the newly joined political heavyweights. The move is aimed creating a united front capable of galvanising nationwide support and offering a credible alternative to the current administration.
Speaking at the gathering, coalition members emphasized the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from what they describe as deepening economic hardship, rising insecurity, and declining public trust in governance.
“The time has come for patriotic Nigerians to rise above party lines and work together to restore hope and accountability in our nation,” one of the leaders said.
The formation of this alliance signals the beginning of what could be a heated political season, with the opposition setting the tone early for what promises to be a fiercely contested Presidential race in 2027.
Moredetails regarding the coalition’s leadership structure, policy agenda, and campaign roadmap are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
News
HON. NEGERESE, OTHER POLITICAL LEADERS PAY CONDOLENCES TO LATE PA. MITIN, REGENT OF OPOROMOR KINGDOM
By Divine Perezide
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – July 2, 2025
Prominent political leaders of Ekeremor extraction and beyond paid a Condolence Visit to the family of Late Chief Mitin Tamaraumienye, the revered Regent of Oporomor Kingdom, who passed away recently.
Leading the delegation was Hon. Berry Negerese, the leader of the ‘Wind of Progress’ political movement, who described the late regent as a custodian of history, peace, tradition, unity, and a political pillar in Ekeremor and Ijaw nation at large. The visit took place in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, where family members and sympathisers gathered to honour the life and legacy of the departed patriarc.
Among others was Hon. John Alla, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Tourism Development, Barr. Japan Udoji, State Coordinator of the Wind of Progress Movement; Hon. Victor K. Ebiyekon, Secretary of the forum; and Capt. Joshua J. Oropere, Chairman of the EA Host Communities Development Trust, Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) board.
The delegation offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, acknowledging Chief Tamaraumienye’s role as a father and in preserving the cultural heritage of and traditional authority of Oporomor kingdom. They also commended his contributions to the peace and development of Ndoro community and beyond.
Ina brief remark during the visit, Barr. Udoji expressed, “The passing of Chief Tamaraumienye is not only a loss to his immediate family but also to the entire Ekeremor Local Government Area, and Ijaw Nation. He was a symbol of truth, courage, and wisdom.”
The condolence visit ended with prayers for strength and comfort for the family, and tributes echoing the profound impact the late regent had on the socio-cultural and socio-political landscape of not just Ekeremor Local Government Area but Bayelsa State and Ijaw Nation at large.
Meanwhile, burial arrangements are yet to be announced by the family as of press time.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By DivinePerezide, June 30, 2025
Tuomo, Burutu _ Peace has been fully restored to Tuomo community following recent tensions surrounding the Amananawei election, as residents warmly welcomed the Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, during a visit to the community on Monday.
Dr. Takeme’s visit was characterized with widespread jubilation, as community members, particularly women carrying placards with various inscriptions: “Tuomo People Thank Burutu LGA Chairman” , “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, We Thank You” and others in appreciation of the swift intervention by the two authorities.
Addressing the residents, Dr. Takeme reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing that, as the Chief Security Officer of the LGA, he would not allow any individual or group to undermine peace and security. He condemned the actions of those who took the law into their hands by intimidating, assaulting and detaining innocent persons in their local cells.
“The era of using power to intimidate or oppress people is over. The law is supreme and binding on all,” Dr. Takeme stated, urging residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear.
The Council Chairman also called on the Tuomo Community Chairman, Mr. Edonyaibo Morentei Warebi, to ensure inclusive leadership and uphold the constitution guiding the community’s affairs. Similarly, he advised the newly elected Amananawei, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi, whose election was held on June 11, 2025 to foster peace and unity in his leadership.
Dr. Takeme commended the Nigerian Police Force for her professionalism in restoring peace to the area, particularly the Burutu Area Commander, ACP Redengha Timpa, who was always on ground personally during the intervention.
In appreciation, the community leaders and residents praised Dr. Takeme for his dedication through the exhaustive expending of time, energy, finances by paying countless visits to Tuomo, ensuring the prevalence of peace and justice. The Community Chairman, Mr. Warebi, assured the Council Boss that every member of the community would be carried along and vehemently stressed that this would be a time for reconciliation, not division.
Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi also expressed gratitude for the Chairman’s leadership and support for the people of Tuomo.
As part of his visit, Dr. Takeme announced the approval of the reconstruction of the Tuomo link road, a news that sparked off spontaneous celebration, singing, and dancing among the residents.
With calm fully restored and development projects on the horizon, the people had had a renewed hope for a peaceful and united future where justice would continue to prevail and be sustained.