A viral video featuring a man named Fatai Odunsi, who claims to be the father of popular artist Asake, has sparked a heated debate on social media since Friday, March 14.
In the video, Odunsi revealed that he has not seen his son since 2022 when his health began to decline, and expressed his need for public support. He pleaded with Nigerians for financial help, explaining that he has been struggling with a stroke since that year. He also accused Asake, despite his success, of not offering any financial assistance.
“I am Asake’s father. I gave birth to him. I am Babatunde Ololade Odunsi, 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 up my calls. Please, I only need your help,” Odunsi said in the video.
Asake responded with a video of himself singing in Yoruba, seemingly addressing the controversy. His song's lyrics conveyed a message about staying true to oneself despite external pressures. “You can’t please the world. Whatever you do, do it for God and always remember the day you’ll meet your Creator.
My people, can you see how it’s going? Even my father wants to manipulate me, but I stand firm, and they can’t dim my light. I used to send him money with all my heart. If you strike, I will move on. No one can extinguish my fire. God is the one taking me forward,” Asake sang.
Meanwhile, an anonymous showbiz insider spoke to Saturday Beats on Friday, claiming that Asake had not been supporting his father, referred to as "Malo." The source also shared that Asake has a child who has been under Malo’s care since birth and that the child recently celebrated their first birthday on March 12, 2025.
According to the source, the only gifts Asake had provided for his father were a Lexus car and an apartment on Lagos Island, the rent for which is set to expire in December 2025.
In response to the viral video, Asake’s former manager, Tunde Phoenix, criticized the singer for allegedly neglecting his father. He wrote, “Operation GoFundMe for your favourite’s papa. Help us find that old man, his son won’t listen.
He abandons those who helped him. Even if they left you, should you treat them the same way when God has blessed you beyond measure? A man’s heart reveals all. Find Papa, let’s help him. These children have no shame.”
Phoenix later posted again, condemning Asake's actions further: “One by one, God will expose who they are. Not my words anymore. Go and pick up your father. We don’t care if he left when you were a child, I believe that man over anything you say.
If you don’t, we’ll handle it and interview him to get the truth out for the masses. You are a public figure. Hire a PR person, put out a statement, or I will. PS: PR girl is amazing. Love her, I’d date her, but she’s surrounded by bad company.”
The controversy has fueled ongoing discussions online, with many Nigerians sharing their opinions on the family dispute.
Reacting to the video, Sulaimon Alade shared his experiences with both 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, his father was a single parent who took excellent care of him, dropping him off at school every morning. After school, he’d go to Agboolokun, his mother’s house, and stay there until his dad (Malo) returned from work. I can’t understand why he’s neglected his father so badly.”
Adetola Adunade Oso also expressed his disbelief: “It’s true. Malo took care of Ahmed (Asake). He never failed in his duties as a father. We both worked for the Lagos Island Local Government—though in different departments—but stayed on good terms until I retired in 2022. I can’t believe Ahmed would neglect his father like this. I pray for the Almighty Allah to restore his health. It’s truly heartbreaking. Always smiling, Lammedah.”
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