Sophia Momodu, a Nigerian entrepreneur and mother of Davido's first child, has shared her experience of facing backlash and ridicule after becoming pregnant out of wedlock. As a pastor's daughter, Momodu said she was particularly stigmatized in Nigerian society. She recounted her story during a side panel at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, which was posted on her Instagram Story. Momodu's experience highlights the challenges she faced as a result of her pregnancy.
Momodu revealed that she was mocked and ridiculed, and it took her a while to find her strength and voice amidst the negativity. She stated that for a long time, she didn't have a voice, despite being famous and popular. Her story was often drowned out by the negativity surrounding it. However, she eventually found the confidence to share her story publicly, which helped her realize that other women had experienced similar situations.
According to Momodu, an aunt once contacted her and asked her to remain silent about her experience. The aunt reportedly told her that it was not a topic that Black women were allowed to discuss. However, Momodu's decision to share her story in different forums, including in South Africa, helped her realize that she was not alone. Many women reached out to her, sharing similar experiences.
Momodu's story is closely tied to her relationship with Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke. The two had a relationship that resulted in the birth of their daughter, Imade Adeleke, on May 14, 2015. DNA testing later confirmed paternity. The pair had intermittent periods of involvement before the relationship ended in 2022, and they never married.
The co-parenting of Imade has been marked by repeated public controversies. In early 2016, Momodu and her uncle, publisher Dele Momodu, alleged that Davido's family attempted to take the child out of the country without consent. The matter was eventually resolved. Over the years, both sides have traded accusations involving financial support, access to the child, lifestyle claims, and public statements.
In April 2024, Davido filed a suit at the Lagos State High Court seeking joint custody and unrestricted access to Imade. Momodu opposed the application, stating she had never denied access to their daughter and that any contact lapse after July 2022 was by Davido's choice. The case proceeded through hearings until February 2026, when Davido announced he was withdrawing the suit.
Today, Momodu is the founder of the Precious Jewels Foundation, which focuses on the intellectual development and wellbeing of vulnerable women and children. She also runs a fashion and beauty brand and has appeared on The Real Housewives of Lagos. Her appearance at the UNGA 81 side events forms part of her broader public advocacy work beyond her personal history with Davido.
Key points
- Sophia Momodu faced stigma and ridicule as a pastor's daughter who became pregnant out of wedlock.
- Momodu's experience highlights the challenges women face in Nigerian society when dealing with similar issues.
- She has since become an advocate for women's rights and has shared her story publicly to raise awareness.
