“Even My Father Wants To Cajole Me” — Asake Reacts As Man Claiming To Be His Father Alleges Neglect

A viral video featuring a man, Fatai Odunsi, who claims to be the father of popular Nigerian artist Asake, has stirred controversy on social media. Odunsi alleged that despite the singer’s fame and success, he has been abandoned and left to battle a stroke since 2022.

In the emotional video, Odunsi pleaded with Nigerians for financial assistance, stating that he had not seen Asake since March 29, 2022, and that his calls to the singer had gone unanswered.

“I am Asake’s father. I gave birth to him. 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.

Reacting to the claims, Asake indirectly addressed the controversy through a song, where he sang in Yoruba about facing external pressures, including from his own father.

“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, and they can’t off my light. I used to press money for him and I do it with one mind,” Asake sang.

His lyrics suggest that he has financially supported his father in the past but refuses to be emotionally blackmailed.

Amidst the controversy, a prominent showbiz personality, speaking anonymously, claimed that Asake had not been actively caring for his father, who is known as “Malo.” The source alleged that Asake’s child has been under Malo’s care since birth and that despite giving his father a Lexus car and an apartment on Lagos Island, the rent on the apartment is set to expire in December 2025.

Further fueling the discussion, Asake’s ex-manager, Tunde Phoenix, publicly criticized the singer for allegedly neglecting his father.

“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,” Phoenix wrote.

He also hinted at conducting an in-depth interview with Odunsi to reveal “the truths the masses want to know.”

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The ongoing controversy has sparked debates online, with divided opinions from Nigerians. Some believe Asake has a moral obligation to care for his father, while others argue that family matters are often complex and not everything is as it seems.

Sulaimon Alade, who claims to have been Asake’s nursery school teacher, attested that Malo took good care of the singer as a single parent.

“I swear with the Quran. His father took good care of him, dropping him off at school every morning. I don’t know why he neglected his dad to this extent,” Alade said.

Similarly, Adetola Adunade Oso, a retired Lagos Island local government worker, vouched for Odunsi’s dedication as a father.

“Malo never failed in his responsibilities. I can’t believe Ahmed (Asake) could neglect his father in this state. I pray Almighty Allah restores his health,” Oso remarked.

As the debate rages on, many are waiting to see if Asake will release an official statement or extend an olive branch to his estranged father.