Lagos, Nigeria – Afrobeats superstar Davido is facing scrutiny after mistakenly directing online criticism towards gospel artist Adejumobi Oluwatosin, known as Tosin Bee, amid a heated child custody dispute. The incident unfolded following emotional court appearances regarding the custody of his daughter, Imade Adeleke, and has sparked a wider conversation about online harassment and the dangers of misidentification.
The controversy stems from a disagreement with lawyer Ebelechukwu Enedah, representing Sophia Momodu, Davido’s estranged partner and Imade’s mother. Davido reportedly became frustrated during court proceedings at the Lagos State High Court in Yaba on Thursday, leading to a now-viral Instagram post on Friday where he strongly criticized Enedah. The singer accused the lawyer of insensitivity, alleging a remark regarding his deceased son during cross-examination.
Shortly after the post, Davido mistakenly reposted content from Tosin Bee to his Instagram story, seemingly believing the artist was connected to Enedah. In the now-deleted story, Davido wrote, “And she has a son. Tosin you will live long amen with the rubbish you dey sing… So your son nah musician Bella Chukwu. You no even get sense. Make we support am. Useless people.” This led to a wave of negative attention directed at Tosin Bee, with fans mistakenly targeting his social media accounts.
Mistaken Identity and Online Backlash
Tosin Bee quickly clarified the situation, stating he had no connection to the legal dispute and that his mother had passed away eight years ago. “Hello Mr David, I don’t know anything about the post you made. As a matter of fact, my mum went to be with the Lord eight years ago,” he posted in response. “I guess this is a case of mistaken identity. So sorry you had to deal with this, but my prayers are with you. I love you brother.” Punch Nigeria reported on the incident, highlighting the swift backlash against the gospel artist.
The incident prompted widespread condemnation of the online harassment directed at Tosin Bee. Social media users called for an apology from Davido, emphasizing the harm caused by the misidentification. One user, #officialabiodunmicheal, wrote, “This is a matter of mistaken identity. He deserves a public apology. This man is a gospel musician/artiste for God’s sake.” Others pointed out the emotional toll such incidents can take, with The Nation noting observers highlighting the risks of misidentification in heated public disputes.
Custody Case and Davido’s Response
The drama surrounding Tosin Bee unfolded as Davido announced he would be withdrawing his custody petition concerning Imade. He clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that he had only sought joint custody, stating, “I never asked for full custody. I asked for joint custody. Nobody won, nobody lost but Imade. There is nothing to celebrate.” He likewise expressed disappointment with the court proceedings, alleging that the opposing counsel brought up his deceased son, which he deemed a “lowest blow.” The Guardian reported on Davido’s decision to withdraw the case.
Davido initially filed an originating motion at the Lagos State High Court on April 17, 2024, seeking joint custody of Imade, as detailed in suit LD/1587PMC/2024. The motion, supported by a 44-paragraph affidavit, emphasized his consistent financial and emotional involvement in his daughter’s life. Despite the legal proceedings, reports indicate Imade continues to spend time with her father, suggesting a degree of co-parenting cooperation.
This incident underscores the complexities of high-profile custody battles and the potential for miscommunication and unintended consequences in the age of social media. As Davido and Sophia Momodu navigate their co-parenting relationship, the focus will likely shift to maintaining a stable and supportive environment for Imade. The situation also serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before engaging in online discourse and the potential harm caused by false accusations.
What comes next remains to be seen, but the withdrawal of the custody petition suggests a desire to resolve the matter privately. The public will be watching to witness how Davido and Momodu continue to co-parent Imade and whether this incident will influence their future interactions. Share your thoughts on this story in the comments below.
