Sophia Momodu, a Nigerian entrepreneur and mother of Afrobeats star Davido's first child, has shared her experience of facing stigma after getting pregnant out of wedlock. As a pastor's daughter, Momodu said she was heavily stigmatized, especially in Nigerian society. She recounted her story during a side panel at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Momodu's story was shared on her Instagram Story on Tuesday, sparking a wave of reactions online.
Momodu revealed that she was mocked and shamed after becoming pregnant out of wedlock. She said it was a crazy experience and that she had to find her strength in the midst of all the negativity. For a long time, she didn't have a voice, despite being famous and popular. Her story was constantly drowned out by negative narratives. Momodu noted that in Nigerian society, it is almost a taboo for a pastor's daughter to have a child out of wedlock.
According to Momodu, she only found the courage to speak publicly about her experience after hearing other women share similar stories. This gave her a platform to own her narrative. She expressed gratitude to Stephanie, whose story gave her the courage to speak out. Momodu also revealed that she was once told to remain silent about her experience by an aunt, who advised her to keep quiet as it was not a topic that Black women were allowed to discuss.
However, speaking at various forums, including radio stations in South Africa, made Momodu realize she was not alone. Many women came to her and shared similar experiences, which gave her the strength to continue speaking out. She expressed gratitude for the platform and for people like Stephanie, who had encouraged her to share her story. Momodu emphasized that she would not stop telling her story.
Momodu and Davido welcomed their daughter, Imade Adeleke, on May 14, 2015. Although they had an on-and-off relationship that eventually ended, they never got married. Their co-parenting journey has been marked by public disputes over financial support and access to their child. In April 2024, Davido filed a suit at the Lagos State High Court seeking joint custody and unrestricted access to Imade.
Momodu opposed Davido's application, stating that she had never denied him access to their child. As the founder of the Precious Jewels Foundation and a fashion and beauty brand owner, Momodu has been involved in advocacy work for vulnerable women and children. Her appearance at the UNGA 81 side events was part of her efforts to bring attention to these issues.
Momodu, born in 1987, has also featured on The Real Housewives of Lagos. Her advocacy work and willingness to share her story have made her a prominent figure in Nigerian society. By speaking out, Momodu hopes to inspire others to share their experiences and break the stigma surrounding pregnancy out of wedlock.
Key points
- Sophia Momodu faced stigma after getting pregnant out of wedlock as a pastor's daughter in Nigeria.
- Momodu found the courage to speak publicly about her experience after hearing other women share similar stories.
- Her advocacy work focuses on empowering vulnerable women and children.
