King Sunny Ade
By Wale Akinselure
Legendary Juju musician, King Sunny Ade, has dismissed widespread speculations about his safety and whereabouts, declaring on Tuesday that he was neither missing nor kidnapped.
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.
In a flurry of social media posts, Damilola called for Dayo’s arrest, claiming he had been “stealing” from the musician and preventing 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.”
However, speaking in the video on Tuesday, King Sunny Ade reassured fans that he was hale, hearty, and actively performing live music at events. He specifically mentioned performing at a show in Lekki, Lagos, over the weekend and noted that he was on his way to another performance.
“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.
