King Sunny Ade, a legendary Juju artist, said on Tuesday that he was neither missing nor abducted, dispelling much of the conjecture around his safety and whereabouts.
The music icon made this known in a live video shared by one of his wives, Mrs. Bose Olubo-Adegeye, following a social media storm ignited by his daughter, Damilola Adeniyi-Adegeye.
Damilola had on Monday, raised the alarm over her father’s whereabouts, accusing her stepbrother, Dayo, whom she described as KSA’s manager, of allegedly holding the veteran singer hostage and mismanaging his affairs.
Damilola demanded Dayo’s arrest in a barrage of social media messages, reporting that he had been “stealing” from the musician and blocking access to him.
One of her posts read: “Dad told my brother that he wants to go home. Where is he? Where are his phones? He has not been online or picking up his calls. Where is he?”
Another stated: “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.”
King Sunny Ade, however, reassured fans in the video on Tuesday that he was well, strong, and actively performing live music at festivals. He clearly stated that he was on his way to another performance and that he had performed at a show in Lekki, Lagos, over the weekend.
“Nobody kidnapped me. I pray, as I don’t want anybody to kidnap me. I believe that the whole world is in love with me. This is me, King Sunny Ade. I have to thank God and you, my fans, for the concern. I have been doing my shows. I was at a show last Saturday at Lekki, Lagos. I am on my way to have a show, and I am coming back again to play in Lagos, as well. So, I have nothing to say other than to thank God and to thank you,” KSA said.
The singer also appreciated Nigerians and fans worldwide for their concern, noting that the confusion might have stemmed from some of his children not seeing him recently.
“I know my children are in love with me, and they want to see me. I didn’t go anywhere. This is me. I thank the children, too, for their concern as well.
“By God’s grace, enjoyment continues. I am still in music. Music is my life; it is my business, and I will continue to do it. I thank the whole world for loving me as usual,” he added.
