Legendary Nigerian Juju musician, King Sunny Ade, has finally broken his silence to debunk widespread rumors suggesting he had been kidnapped or was missing. The alarm was first raised by his daughter, Damilola Adeniyi-Adegeye, who took to social media on Monday, April 28, 2025, to express fears about her father’s safety. Her emotional posts quickly went viral, sparking panic among fans and widespread speculation across social media platforms.
Damilola claimed that her father had not been seen or heard from for some time and pointed fingers at her stepbrother, Dayo, who also serves as King Sunny Ade’s manager. She accused Dayo of isolating the musician from his family, denying him access to his phone, and controlling his finances and movements.
Daughter Accuses Stepbrother of Isolating the Music Icon
In a series of troubling social media posts, Damilola alleged that her father had expressed a desire to return home but was prevented from doing so by Dayo. She also claimed that Dayo had confiscated his phones and was blocking family members from contacting him. According to her, this was not just a family issue but a matter of urgent concern for her father’s well-being.
One of her posts read:
“Dad told my brother he wants to go home. Where is he? Where are his phones? He hasn’t been online or answering calls. Where is he?”
In another, she accused Dayo of financial misconduct and suggested he was planning to flee the country:
“I want Dayo (manager) arrested. I want him to return all the money they’ve stolen from my father. He has a UK visa and thinks he can escape.”
Her claims ignited a wave of concern online, with fans, media outlets, and the general public expressing shock and demanding answers.
Wife Releases Live Video to Reassure the Public
Amid the escalating tension and speculation, King Sunny Ade’s wife, Mrs. Bose Olubo-Adegeye, released a live video on Tuesday, April 29, to dispel the rumors and reassure fans. The video featured the singer himself, looking healthy and upbeat, confirming that he was safe and actively involved in his music career.
KSA: “I Was Never Kidnapped—Music Is My Life”
In the video, King Sunny Ade firmly refuted the rumors of abduction. He stated clearly that no one had kidnapped him and that he had been performing at live shows as usual. He explained that he had recently played at an event in Lekki, Lagos, and was preparing for more performances.
“Nobody kidnapped me,” he said. “I pray every day, and I trust God to protect me. I believe the world loves me. This is me, King Sunny Ade. I thank God and my fans for all the concern.”
He went on to say:
“I was at a show last Saturday in Lekki. I’m heading to another show now and will return again to perform in Lagos. I’m doing well, and I appreciate everyone who reached out.”
Singer Suggests Misunderstanding Within the Family
King Sunny Ade acknowledged the confusion that led to the false alarm, attributing it to a misunderstanding among his children. He noted that some of them had not seen him in a while, which may have triggered their concern. However, he emphasized that he had not gone missing and remained committed to his work.
“I know my children love me and want to see me,” he said. “I didn’t go anywhere. I’m right here, still doing what I love.”
Support Pours In from Fans Across the Globe
Following the video’s release, fans expressed immense relief and rallied around the music icon with messages of love and support. Many praised him for his transparency and resilience, and called for calm and understanding within the family.
The episode also served as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread online—and the impact it can have, especially when it involves beloved public figures.
King Sunny Ade Reaffirms His Commitment to Music
Despite the public drama, King Sunny Ade made it clear that he remains passionate about his craft and has no plans to slow down. At 77, he continues to perform actively, proving that age has not dimmed his spirit or talent.
“By God’s grace, the enjoyment continues,” he said. “I am still in music. It is my life and my business, and I will keep doing it for as long as I can. Thank you all for your love and concern.”
As the dust begins to settle, fans and observers hope that peace will return within the family, and that the legendary performer can continue his iconic journey without further disruptions. For many, King Sunny Ade remains not just a music legend, but a national treasure—and the outpouring of concern shows just how deeply he is cherished both at home and abroad.