The Nigerian entertainment scene has once again been thrown into a whirlwind of controversy following recent allegations by Fatai Odunsi, the father of Afrobeat sensation Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake.
The allegations, which have since gone viral, center around claims that the internationally acclaimed singer has abandoned his ailing father, despite his immense success.
From Isale Eko to Global Stardom
Born and raised in Isale Eko, Lagos Island, Asake’s journey to fame is one of resilience and determination. His roots trace back to Iga Idunganran, a historic area known for its cultural significance and tight-knit community.
Having grown up in a two-storey brown-painted house within the heart of Lagos Island, the now-famous musician once roamed the narrow streets, attended a Quranic school, and lived under the strict yet loving care of his father, Odunsi, a retired government worker.
Despite his humble beginnings, Asake’s talent and drive catapulted him into the limelight, earning him international recognition and a Grammy nomination. His music, infused with Afrobeat rhythms and deep storytelling, resonates with fans worldwide.
However, with fame has come allegations of abandonment, with some of his childhood neighbors and family members accusing him of cutting ties with his roots.
The Allegations: A Father’s Cry for Help
On Friday, a video featuring Odunsi surfaced online, where the visibly distressed man claimed he had not seen or heard from Asake since 2022.
He alleged that despite his deteriorating health and financial struggles, his son had refused to support him or even return his calls.
“Since I had a stroke, I haven’t seen him. The last time I saw him was March 29, 2022. He doesn’t pick up my calls when I call him. Please, I only need your help,” Odunsi pleaded in the viral video.
Following this revelation, reporters visited Isale Eko to investigate the claims, speaking with childhood friends, neighbors, and family members who shared mixed perspectives on the father-son relationship.
A Community Divided
Residents of Asake’s childhood neighborhood provided varying accounts of his upbringing and his current relationship with his father.
Some praised Odunsi for being a devoted single father who sacrificed a lot to provide for his son, while others hinted at underlying issues that may have contributed to their estrangement.
One of the locals, identified as Mrs. Farida, described Odunsi as a well-loved and jovial man.
“Asake was a quiet child who didn’t have too many friends growing up. His father was strict but he raised him well. It is surprising to hear that Asake is neglecting him now. That is not a good thing,” she said.
Another resident, Alabi, noted that Asake had distanced himself from his childhood neighborhood, rarely visiting since achieving fame.
“He cut off many people from here, even those who supported him when he was struggling. The last time he visited was in 2020. Now, it feels like he considers himself a stranger to this place,” he stated.
However, some individuals defended the singer, stating that Odunsi’s claims might not fully reflect the situation.
They hinted at unresolved family issues that might have driven a wedge between them.
Financial Support and Unverified Claims
Reports surfaced that Asake had previously provided financial assistance to his father, including buying him a Lexus car. However, a family friend, who requested anonymity, claimed that the car had to be sold as Odunsi could not afford to maintain it. Additionally, unverified WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by Odunsi to Asake’s mother, Mrs. Fali, indicated that he was struggling to pay his rent and hospital bills.
Furthermore, Asake is also facing paternity allegations regarding an 11-year-old girl named Zeenat. The child’s mother, Adijat Ajoke, has urged him to take a DNA test to confirm his paternity and assume responsibility if proven to be her father.
Asake’s Response: Lyrics Over Words
Rather than directly addressing the controversy, Asake released a video of himself singing lyrics that appeared to reference his predicament.
In Yoruba, he sang about staying true to himself and facing opposition from those who try to manipulate him.
“You can’t please the world. Whatever you do, do it for God and always remember the day you’ll die and meet your God. My people, can you see how it’s going?” he sang.
“Even my father wants to cajole me, but I stand firm and they can’t off my light. I used to press money for him and I do it with one mind. If you strike, I will move on. No one can quench my fire. God is the one that is taking me ahead in life.”
Public Reactions and Debate
The controversy has sparked heated debates on social media. While some critics have condemned Asake for allegedly neglecting his father, others have defended his actions, arguing that parental entitlement often leads to such disputes.
A Facebook user, Segun Ben-Ajayi, insisted that Odunsi was a dedicated father who did everything for his son, even selling his car to fund Asake’s university education.
“Ironically, the mother who left Asake as a child is now his favorite. He even adopted her name—Asake—as his stage identity. Life truly takes unexpected turns. Now, a man who gave everything for his son is suffering alone, abandoned, and in need,” he wrote.
Conversely, others questioned whether Odunsi was entirely truthful about his past relationship with his son. A user, Aimee Doe, argued that parents who fail to build strong emotional bonds with their children should not expect financial support later in life.
“He couldn’t bring himself to be humble and instead resorted to publicly shaming a child he previously had no connection with. Africa’s situation is largely due to emotional manipulation,” she stated.
In a move to ease Odunsi’s struggles, businessman Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, announced that he had sent N500,000 to assist him.
“As I promised last night, we will take care of Asake’s father since he refused to take care of him. I spoke to him this morning, and he’s a very happy man,” Fayose stated.
The Bigger Picture
The controversy surrounding Asake and his father brings to light broader issues of family dynamics, expectations, and the emotional cost of fame.
While some argue that children owe their parents financial and emotional support, others maintain that parents must first nurture strong relationships with their children before expecting anything in return.
As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear: family matters are complex, and in the world of fame and fortune, personal struggles are often played out under the harsh scrutiny of public opinion.
