Why Davido decided to drop the joint custody fight for Imade

Afrobeats superstar Davido (David Adeleke) has officially announced his withdrawal from the legal battle for the custody of his daughter, Imade.

The singer’s decision comes amid a storm of controversy following a heated session at the Lagos State High Court, Yaba.

In a series of emotional posts shared late Friday and early Saturday, February 14, 2026, the singer clarified that his intent was never to seek sole custody, but rather to secure joint custody of his daughter.

The turning point for the singer reportedly occurred during a tense cross-examination. Davido alleged that the opposing legal team made references to his late son, Ifeanyi—a move he described as a “low blow” and the final straw.

“I’ve decided to drop the case because… until she brought out her last card! MY DECEASED SON! THAT’S A NO NO! Lowest blow!” Davido posted on X.

He further expressed his outrage on Instagram, criticizing the opposing lawyers for their lack of empathy. “I pray you never go through what me and my wife have gone through ever,” he wrote, referencing the tragic loss he and Chioma Adeleke suffered in 2022.

Addressing those who viewed the withdrawal as a defeat, Davido maintained that the only victim in the legal drama was his daughter.

“I never asked for full custody… I asked for joint custody. Nobody won, nobody lost but Imade.

“My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her… let’s move on. One love!”

Eyewitness accounts from the court described a volatile scene. Legal practitioner Maruf Muhammed reported that the singer lost his patience during the proceedings.

“The lawyer made 001 lose his patience during cross-examination o! Be you never so high, the law is above you,” Muhammed posted, capturing the attention of thousands online.