King Sunny Ade Safe And Sound, Family Dismisses Kidnapping Rumours Sparked By Daughter’s Claims.
The family of legendary Juju musician Sunday Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA), has firmly dismissed rumours of his alleged kidnapping, confirming that the 78-year-old music icon is “safe and sound.” The statement follows a wave of concern triggered by claims from his daughter, Damilola Adeniyi-Adegeye, who alleged on social media that her father had been abducted by his manager and stepbrother, Dayo Adegeye, and other associates.
The kidnapping rumours originated on Monday, 28 April 2025, when Damilola, based in the United Kingdom, posted a series of emotional messages on Instagram. She claimed that King Sunny Ade was being held captive, forced to perform under duress, and cut off from family communication. In her posts, she accused Dayo, along with his mother, brothers, and a driver named Ade, of controlling her father’s finances and movements, alleging that the family had been unable to reach him for weeks. Damilola’s posts, which went viral, included pleas for Nigerian police intervention and urged the public not to book the musician for events, claiming he was not in control of his schedule. Her allegations were amplified by media personality @Akanbitheduke and various posts on X, sparking widespread concern among fans.
Responding to the allegations, Dayo Adegeye, KSA’s son and manager, issued a statement on Monday evening, labelling the kidnapping claims as “false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the veteran musician’s reputation.” He assured the public that King Sunny Ade was “safe, sound, and in good spirits,” dismissing the rumours as baseless. The Adegeye family further clarified that the musician had been spending time with family and working on personal projects, explaining his recent low profile. They urged the public to disregard unverified reports and rely on official channels for information.
Sources close to the family suggested that the rumours may have been fuelled by KSA’s absence from public events, including the 83rd birthday celebration of fellow music icon Ebenezer Obey, as well as his reduced visibility following personal losses, such as the death of his wife in 2021 and a daughter more recently. These factors, combined with Damilola’s claims, appear to have created a perfect storm of speculation.
Fans expressed relief on social media, with many condemning the spread of unverified information. “KSA is a legend; we need to protect his peace,” one user wrote on X, reflecting the sentiment of thousands. Others called for unity within the Adegeye family to resolve any internal disputes privately.
King Sunny Ade, born in Ondo State in 1946, rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s as a pioneer of Juju music, a genre rooted in Yoruba culture. His innovative use of talking drums, guitars, and syncopated rhythms earned him international acclaim, including performances at major global festivals and collaborations with artists like Stevie Wonder. In 1983, he became one of the first African artists nominated for a Grammy Award, cementing his status as a trailblazer.
The Adegeye family has not indicated whether King Sunny Ade will address the rumours personally or resume public performances soon. For now, the confirmation of his safety has eased the anxieties of his global fanbase, who continue to celebrate his enduring contributions to music and culture.
