Legendary juju music maestro, Dr. Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA), has cleared the air over viral claims made by his daughter, Damilola Adegeye, that he was missing.
The music legend, 78, issued a statement via Instagram on Tuesday evening, confirming he is “alive and well” and warning against the spread of falsehood.
According to KSA, the allegations made online by Damilola and others are not only false but damaging to his name and legacy.
“Contrary to the falsehood and fabricated news dated 28th April, 2025, peddled by Damilola Esther Adeniyi-Adegeye and her associates, who declared that I was missing, I hereby state as follows: I, Dr. Sunday Adeniyi-Adegeye, MFR, also known as King Sunny Ade, am alive and well,” he said.
“It is very important to address the falsehood and fabricated news… and to assure the general public and loved ones that I am alive and safe.”
The veteran singer also warned bloggers and individuals behind the rumour to desist or face legal action.
Trouble started when Damilola, who lives abroad, took to social media on Monday, accusing her stepbrother, Dayo Adegeye, of holding their father hostage and allegedly mishandling his finances.
In one of her Instagram posts, she wrote: “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 also called for Dayo’s arrest, alleging: “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 in an interview, Dayo denied the allegations, saying the claims were false and misleading.
He said: “She (Damilola) is not in the right frame of mind for her to have made those posts. On Easter Sunday, she called me and said she wanted to speak with Dad… I gave the phone to my dad, and they spoke for about 30 minutes.”
Dayo also clarified he is not officially KSA’s manager, but only assists him occasionally.
Another son, David Adegeye, also defended the family, saying the music legend is active and healthy.
“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,” he said.
King Sunny Ade, born in 1946, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest musicians. With a career spanning over 50 years, he was the first Nigerian to be nominated for a Grammy and is known for blending Yoruba rhythms with modern sounds.
