The long-running paternity controversy surrounding Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has resurfaced.
This comes after a teenage girl claiming to be his daughter made a public appeal for a new DNA test, reigniting intense debate across social media.
On January 15, 2026, Anu Mitchell Adeleke, a 12-year-old who has for years been linked to the singer through unresolved claims, posted an emotional message on Instagram addressed directly to Davido. In her statement, Anu said growing up under a cloud of uncertainty about her identity has taken a toll on her life, revealing that she has faced repeated bullying from peers who questioned her story. According to her, the emotional strain has been significant enough to require professional support.
As she approaches her teenage years, Anu explained that her request is driven by a need for clarity and closure. She appealed respectfully for a DNA test between herself and the singer, stressing that her intention was not to provoke public drama but to finally settle lingering doubts about her identity. Her message quickly spread online, drawing widespread attention and reviving a dispute that has lingered for over a decade.
Davido responded swiftly and firmly. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the award-winning artiste rejected Anu’s claims and maintained that the issue had already been conclusively addressed. He stated that multiple DNA tests had previously been conducted at medical facilities selected by both parties, all of which reportedly confirmed that he is not the girl’s biological father. The singer dismissed the renewed appeal as unnecessary and made it clear that he considers the matter closed, adding that he has no personal relationship with Anu’s mother beyond the past paternity discussions.
However, the girl’s mother, Ayo Labinjoh, has pushed back strongly against Davido’s position. She has consistently disputed claims that properly conducted and transparent DNA tests ever took place. According to her, any previous procedures lacked credibility and independent oversight, and she has suggested that a fresh, verifiable test—possibly involving international authorities—would be required to resolve the matter conclusively.
Public reaction has been sharply divided. While many Nigerians have expressed empathy for Anu, focusing on the emotional burden she described and her desire for certainty, others have criticised the public nature of the dispute, particularly given that it involves a minor. Some commentators have urged all parties to prioritise the child’s privacy and well-being rather than continuing the exchange on social media.
For now, no independently verified DNA results have been made public, leaving the controversy unresolved. The episode highlights how deeply personal family disputes can be magnified in the digital age, raising difficult questions about responsibility, transparency, and the emotional cost borne by children caught at the centre of public conflicts.
