​King Sunny Ade refutes kidnapping allegations amid family dispute​

Legendary Nigerian juju musician King Sunny Ade has publicly denied recent allegations of abduction, clarifying that he is safe and continues to perform. 

In a video message shared on April 29, 2025, the 77-year-old artist addressed concerns that arose following claims made by his daughter, Damilola Adeniyi Adegeye, who alleged he was kidnapped by her step brother.

King Sunny Ade thanked his fans for their love and concern, stressing that he was never abducted by anyone.

Glory be to the almighty father in heaven. I’m thankful to all my people all over the world, thank you. It was the day that I went to rest that people became worried about my whereabouts. I want you all to know that I haven’t been kidnapped, I wasn’t taken anywhere and I didn’t go anywhere. 

I thank God, I also have to thank you all, my fans. From over 70 hours till now, the whole world had been calling me, calling me . I’m thankful for the love, this is just the beginning. Last Saturday I was at a show at lekki and now I’m going to a show. I wasn’t kidnapped, I thank the nation. I thank everyone for the concern.

Damilola had previously alleged on Instagram that her father was being held against his will by his manager, Dayo her step-brother, with the help of his mother, brothers Demola and Kenny, and a driver named Ade. She claimed that King Sunny Ade was being forced to work under duress and that his location was unknown to close family members.

“King Sunny Ade has been kidnapped. The manager (Dayo) is the culprit along with his mother, brothers (Demola and Kenny) and his driver Ade. No one knows his whereabouts in the family, and everyone is looking for him,” Damilola wrote in an Instagram story post.