A viral video featuring a man, Fatai Odunsi, who claims to be the father of popular artist, Asake, has stirred controversy on social media since the early hours of Friday, March 14. In the video, Odunsi claimed he had not seen Asake since 2022, when his health began to deteriorate, and he now felt the need to speak help publicly. He pleaded with Nigerians for financial assistance, revealing that he has been battling a stroke since 2022. He further alleged that despite Asake’s fame and success, the singer has not been financially supportive of him.
“I am Asake’s father. I gave birth to him. I gave birth to Asake, Ahmed, the singer. Babatunde Ololade Odunsin, Mr. Money. Since I had a stroke, I haven’t seen him. The last time I saw him was March 29, 2022. He doesn’t pick my calls when I call him. Please, I only need your help,” Odunsi said.
Responding in a video, Asake was seen singing in Yoruba, seemingly addressing the controversy. The lyrics of his song conveyed a message about staying true to himself despite external pressures. He sang, “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? 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.”
Meanwhile, a prominent showbiz personality who spoke to Saturday Beats anonymously on Friday, alleged that Asake had not been caring for his father, whom he referred to as “Malo.” The source also claimed that Asake has a child who has been under Malo’s care since birth, and the child recently turned a year older on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The source further stated that the only things Asake had ever given his father were a Lexus car and an apartment on Lagos Island, with the rent set to expire in December 2025.
Also reacting to the viral post, Asake’s ex-manager, Tunde Phoenix, criticised the singer’s alleged abandonment of his father, writing, “Operation GoFundMe for your favorite’s Papa. Please help us find that old man, his seed won’t listen. He abandons people who have helped him. Even if they left you, should you act like them when God has blessed you beyond your wildest dreams? A heart of a man reveals all you need to know. Please find Papa, let’s get him the help he needs. These children have the audacity.”
In another post, he further condemned Asake’s actions, adding, “One by one, God will show you who they are. Not my words anymore. Go and pick Papi up. We don’t care if he left as a child, in fact, I believe that man over anything you will say. If you don’t, we will handle your responsibilities for you and do a full interview with him to give us all the truths the masses want to know. You are a public figure. Get PR girl, put a statement together or I will. PS: PR girl is a vibe. Love her, I would definitely date her, she has a good heart but keeps bad company.”
The controversy continues to fuel online debates, with many Nigerians sharing their perspectives on the family dispute.
Reacting to Odunsi’s video, Sulaimon Alade recounted his past interactions with Asake and his father, writing, “I was Asake’s teacher when he was in nursery school, right in front of my family house (Ile Atapupa or Ile Oni Gelede at No. 70 Ojuolokun Street, Isale Eko, Lagos). Back then, I worked with my brother, Musbau Teacher, the proprietor of MPS Mussey Private School. His father took good care of him as a single parent, dropping him off at school every morning. I swear with the Quran. After school, he would go to Agboolokun, his mother’s house, and stay there until evening when his dad (Malo) returned from work. I don’t know why he neglected his dad to this extent.”
Echoing Alade’s sentiments, Adetola Adunade Oso also shared his thoughts: “Fact. Malo took care of Ahmed (Asake). He never failed in his responsibilities as a father. We both worked with the Lagos Island Local Government—though in different departments—but maintained a cordial relationship until I retired in 2022. I can’t believe Ahmed could neglect his father in this state. I pray the Almighty Allah restores his health. So sad. Always smiling, Lammedah.”
(Punch)
