Afrobeat star Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has found himself at the center of a family controversy after a video surfaced online featuring a man, Fatai Odunsi, who claims to be his father. In the video, Odunsi alleged that Asake had abandoned him despite his deteriorating health and financial struggles. The claim has sparked a heated debate among fans and residents of Isale Eko, where Asake grew up, with conflicting accounts of his childhood and relationship with his father.
Born in Iga Idunganran, a historic neighborhood in Lagos Island, Asake grew up in an area known for its deep cultural and artistic roots. His rise from humble beginnings to global recognition, including Grammy nominations and sold-out performances in the United States and the United Kingdom, has been a source of pride for his hometown.
However, recent allegations by his father have cast a shadow over his success. In the viral video, Odunsi claimed that he had not seen his son since 2022 and that repeated attempts to contact him had been ignored. “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.
Conflicting Accounts from Isale Eko Residents
To verify Odunsi’s claims, a correspondent visited Asake’s childhood neighborhood, where long-time residents, family members, and friends gave mixed reactions.
Mrs. Farida, an elderly resident who claimed to know the family well, said Asake’s father was a well-liked entertainer in the community. “Asake was a quiet child who didn’t have too many friends growing up. His father is a jovial man, and we all love him here. It’s surprising that he is now being treated like this,” she said.
Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said that Asake had become distant from his hometown. “He grew up here with his father after his parents separated when he was four. Even after he became successful, he cut off many people. The last time he visited was in 2020. Now, he acts like a stranger,” she added.
A family member, identified only as Alabi, expressed disappointment at the alleged estrangement. “No matter what Malo (Odunsi) may have done, there is no justification for abandoning his father. If his father has wronged him, he should forgive him and help him,” he said.
A Father’s Sacrifices?
Asake’s former teacher, Sulaimon Alade, also weighed in on the issue. “His father took good care of him as a single father. He dropped him off at school every morning and picked him up in the evening. I swear with the Quran, he was a responsible father. I don’t know why Asake is ignoring him now,” Alade said in a Facebook post.
A former colleague of Odunsi, Adetola Oso, backed this claim. “Malo took care of Ahmed (Asake). He never lacked in his responsibilities as a father,” she wrote.
However, there are conflicting reports about Odunsi’s role in Asake’s childhood. Some social media users alleged that he was an absentee father and that Asake’s mother, whom he named his stage persona after, played a bigger role in raising him.
A Facebook user, Segun Ben-Ajayi, argued that Odunsi had been a devoted father. “He single-handedly raised Asake from the age of three after his mother left. He sold his car to send Asake to Obafemi Awolowo University. Now, the man who gave everything for his son is suffering alone,” he wrote.
On the other hand, some users defended Asake, saying his father was simply seeking financial help out of entitlement. “In life, we create our own circumstances, so why would anyone expect Asake to respond positively after everything he has gone through?” a user, Aimee Doe, posted.
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Asake’s Response and More Allegations
In response to the controversy, Asake posted a video of himself singing in Yoruba, seemingly addressing the situation. His lyrics suggested he was standing firm despite external pressures. “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. Even my father wants to cajole me, but I stand firm,” he sang.
Meanwhile, another controversy has emerged as Odunsi’s financial struggles came to light. A leaked WhatsApp message allegedly sent by him to Asake’s mother read: “Help me to talk to Hammed. I won’t be able to pay my house rent. I don’t have any money. Please, help me talk to him.”
A family friend, speaking anonymously, claimed that Asake once gifted his father a Lexus car, but it had to be sold due to maintenance costs. “Aside from his health issues, his rent is also due, and his son has been ignoring his calls,” the source said.
Alleged Child and More Family Drama
Adding another layer to the story, reports have surfaced that Asake has an 11-year-old daughter named Zeenat, whom Odunsi has been taking care of. A woman believed to be a family representative pleaded with the singer to take responsibility. “Ololade, please take care of your father. Even if it’s just one house that can generate income for him, do it. And as for Zeenat, you need to take care of her too. If you doubt she is yours, do a DNA test,” she said in a video.
As the controversy continues, some well-wishers have stepped in to support Odunsi. Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, announced that he had sent Odunsi ₦500,000 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,” he posted on Instagram.
With mixed reports about Asake’s past and his relationship with his father, the controversy has left fans divided. While some believe he has a duty to care for his father, others argue that parents should not use emotional blackmail to demand support from their children.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Asake’s journey from Isale Eko to global fame is now entangled in a deeply personal and public family drama.