February 13, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
In a surprising turn of events that has captured the attention of fans and critics alike, Nigerian music superstar Davido has reportedly dropped his formal bid for custody of his daughter, Imade Adeleke. The decision comes after tension-filled family court proceedings in Lagos, where a contentious exchange between his ex-partner, Chioma Avril Rowland’s lawyer, Sophia Momodu’s counsel, and Davido’s legal team added fuel to an already emotionally charged case.
According to court observers, what was initially expected to be routine legal argumentation quickly escalated when an “unpleasant comment” made by the opposing lawyer during hearings prompted swift reactions from Davido’s side. The nature of the remark has not been publicly disclosed, but sources indicate it was significant enough to shift the tenor of the proceedings and influence Davido’s decision to step back from actively pursuing custody rights.
A Shift in Strategy Amid Legal Battle
Davido’s withdrawal does not necessarily signal an end to his involvement as a father, but rather a change in legal strategy — one that appears to prioritize peace and preserve public dignity. Close associates say the singer was reportedly taken aback by the “hostile environment” that developed in court, leading him and his legal team to reassess the impact of protracted litigation on all parties, particularly his young daughter.
For months, the custody dispute between Davido and Chioma has been a subject of intense media coverage, with supporters on both sides weighing in on social media and at public events. Unlike prior phases of the case, this week’s proceedings drew particular attention because of the courtroom conflict between attorneys, signaling deeper frustrations behind the legal wrangling.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
Fans of the “Fall” singer took to online platforms quickly after news of the development broke, offering varied responses. Some praised Davido for taking a step back in the face of courtroom drama, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing Imade’s emotional well-being over public legal battles. Others, however, questioned the implications of stepping away from custody claims, arguing that children benefit from balanced parental involvement regardless of adult disagreements.
Legal analysts observing the case note that high-profile custody disputes often become as much about public perception as they are about legal rights. They suggest that withdrawing a formal custody bid especially in a case with extensive media coverage may be a tactical move to de-escalate tensions, avoid further conflict in court, and present a more amicable co-parenting front.
Davido, Chioma and Co-Parenting Going Forward
While this latest development closes one chapter in the legal story, the broader question of co-parenting arrangements for Imade remains a matter of interest for both families and fans. Sources close to both Davido and Chioma indicate that, behind the scenes, negotiations and private discussions about shared parental responsibilities are ongoing — a reminder that custody law, especially in high-profile cases, often extends beyond courtroom headlines and into the nuanced realities of family life.
As the dust settles on this round of courtroom drama, attention now turns to what Davido’s decision will mean for his relationship with his daughter and his public image as both an artist and a parent.