Damilola Esther Adeniyi-Adegeye, daughter of legendary Nigerian juju musician King Sunny Ade, has raised concerns over her father’s well-being and accessibility. She alleges that her father has been unreachable for weeks and accuses his manager and stepbrother, Dayo Adegeye, of isolating the 78-year-old musician from his family under suspicious circumstances.
The issue came to public attention on Monday, April 28, 2025, when media personality Akanbi The Duke shared concerns on Instagram, revealing that efforts by close associates to contact the veteran performer had failed.
According to Damilola, the manager has been moving Sunny Ade from one hotel to another, isolating him while allegedly forcing him to continue performing despite his deteriorating health and the recent death of one of his daughters. She also alleged that he is being administered sleeping pills to manage insomnia, further accusing the handlers of exploiting him financially, denying him access to his home and office, and manipulating his schedule for profit.
“The last time I spoke to my dad, he was clearly distressed. Before we could talk, someone took the phone from him. Since then, I haven’t been able to reach him,” she wrote in an emotional social media post.
In response to these allegations, King Sunny Ade’s management has released a statement asserting that the musician is safe and well. They deny the claims of isolation and exploitation, stating that the artist is currently taking time to rest and has chosen to limit his public engagements.
The situation has garnered significant attention, with fans and the public expressing concern over the well-being of the music icon. Authorities have not yet commented on the matter, but the family hopes for a resolution that ensures the health and safety of King Sunny Ade.
King Sunny Ade, born Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, is renowned for his contributions to Nigerian music and has been a prominent figure in the industry for decades. His influence and legacy continue to resonate with fans both in Nigeria and internationally.
As the story develops, further updates will be provided to keep the public informed about King Sunny Ade’s condition and the ongoing family concerns.