King Sunny Ade performs energetically in Akure days after debunking missing person claim

King Sunny Ade

Veteran juju singer King Sunny Ade (KSA) has been seen performing at a social function, days after dispelling rumours that he was missing.

In videos shared by City People on Instagram, the Grammy-nominated music legend was seen on Thursday performing with high energy at a burial ceremony in Akure, Ondo State.

Dressed in a blue suit and backed by his band, the 78-year-old thrilled guests with one of his classic Yoruba tunes. In another clip, he danced energetically, much to the delight of the crowd.

This appearance follows controversy stirred by one of KSA’s daughters, Damilola Adeyege, who took to social media claiming her father had been “adopted” by her step-brother Dayo Adegeye and was being held against his will.

The post raised alarm among fans and industry colleagues, prompting an outpouring of concern for the music icon’s safety.

“Dad told my brother that he wants to go home. Where is he? Where are his phones? He has not been online or picking his calls. Where is he?” Damilola asked in one of her posts.

She also called for the arrest of Dayo, alleging financial mismanagement and accusing him of holding their father hostage.

“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,” she wrote.

Dayo, however, denied all allegations during an interview on Tuesday, describing Damilola’s claims as false.

“She is not in the right frame of mind for her to have made those posts,” he said.

He explained that Damilola, who lives abroad, had spoken with their father over the phone for about 30 minutes on Easter Sunday and was invited to visit if she wanted to see him in person.

“I gave the phone to my dad, and they spoke for about 30 minutes. I then told her that if she wanted to see him, she could come to Nigeria,” he added.

Dayo also clarified that he is not officially KSA’s manager but only helps out occasionally. He said the legendary singer would soon release a statement and confirmed at the time that KSA would be performing in Akure — a promise now fulfilled with his recent public outing.

Another of King Sunny Ade’s sons, David, also refuted the allegations.

“As I’m speaking with you, daddy is fine. He is not working under duress. He just finished an event. I can tell you with proof and evidence that he is fine,” he said.

On Tuesday, KSA addressed the situation on Instagram, writing, “Contrary to the falsehood and fabricated news dated 28th April, 2025 peddled by Damilola Esther Adeniyi-Adegeye and her Associates who declared that I was missing, I hereby state as follows:

“That I, Dr. Sunday Adeniyi-Adegeye MFR, also known as King Sunny Ade, am alive and well.
The falsehood about my disappearance or being missing by Damilola Esther Adeniyi-Adegeye and her cohorts are completely false.
I am alive, well and grateful for the love and support of my fans, thanks for your concern.
It is very important to address the falsehood and fabricated news by Damilola Esther Adeniyi-Adegeye and her associates and to assure the general public and loved ones that I am alive and safe.

“Lastly, I utilize this medium to admonish the Blogger(s) responsible for this mischievous act alongside those that take undue privileges to trample on my hard-earned reputation and image to desist forthwith otherwise be prepared to face the wrath of the law.
Thank you and God bless all.”

He also appeared in video to further dispel the rumour.