Nigeria: King Sunny Ade refutes disappearance claims, says he is alive and healthy

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Legendary Nigerian juju musician, King Sunny Ade, has publicly denied rumors of his alleged disappearance, stating that he is “alive, healthy, and grateful” to his fans. In a press statement issued on Tuesday via his official Instagram account, the 78-year-old music icon reassured the public of his well-being, describing the rumors as entirely “false and malicious.”

According to King Sunny Ade, the rumors were fabricated by his daughter, Damilola Esther Adeniyi-Adegeye, and her associates, who claimed that he was missing. The singer reiterated that he had recently performed at several events and is currently preparing for an upcoming show in Akure, Ondo State.

The rumors about King Sunny Ade’s safety began circulating online on Monday, when his daughter, Damilola, alleged on Instagram that her father was being held against his will by her stepbrother, Dayo Adegeye, who also serves as the artiste’s informal manager. Damilola accused Dayo of isolating their father from family and administering sedatives to control him while also mismanaging his finances.

However, King Sunny Ade’s sons, Dayo and David Adegeye, have refuted the claims, stressing that their father was neither missing nor being held against his will and continues to work of his own volition. In a separate interview, Dayo affirmed that his father is “hale and hearty” and recently performed at an event in Victoria Island, with another performance scheduled for May 1 in Akure.

King Sunny Ade has warned that he may pursue legal action against those involved in spreading the rumor, particularly bloggers and online platforms that published the claims without verification. “This is an attempt to trample on my hard-earned reputation. I am alive, and I deserve peace,” he concluded.

In a video recorded inside a vehicle, King Sunny Ade was seen in high spirits, appreciating the overwhelming concern expressed by fans and associates across the globe. “I must thank my fans worldwide because people have been calling me non-stop for the past 70-something hours,” he added.

The musician’s statement has brought relief to his fans, who were worried about his safety. King Sunny Ade’s reputation as a legendary musician remains intact, and he continues to reassure his fans of his well-being.