Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has finally broken his silence following allegations that he abandoned his father, Fatai Odunsi, after he fell ill.
The controversy erupted earlier in the week when Odunsi made a public appeal, claiming that his son had cut off all contact with him since 2022 when he suffered a stroke.
His allegations quickly gained attention, sparking discussions online about family responsibilities and the pressures that come with fame.
In a video that went viral on social media, Odunsi accused Asake of ignoring his calls and refusing to offer any support despite his failing health.
He described his struggle since being diagnosed with a stroke and how his attempts to reach his son had been met with silence.
The video showed a frail-looking Odunsi, accompanied by a man identified as Sonibare, who claimed to be his brother.
The two men appealed to the public for financial assistance, insisting that they had exhausted all possible means of contacting the singer.
During his emotional plea, Odunsi emphasized the pain of being ignored by his own child, someone he had raised and supported.
He recalled the last time he saw Asake, stating that it was on March 29, 2022, around the time his health began to decline.
He expressed frustration over his son’s refusal to communicate, saying that he had made numerous attempts to reach out but had received no response.
His words struck a chord with many social media users, some of whom sympathized with him, while others questioned whether there was more to the story than what was being presented.
As the allegations continued to spread, fans eagerly awaited a response from Asake. The singer, who has remained relatively private about his personal life despite his rapid rise to fame, finally addressed the issue on Friday.
Instead of a direct statement, he chose to respond cryptically through a Yoruba freestyle shared on social media. The freestyle was loaded with subtle jabs and deeper messages, leaving listeners to interpret his side of the story based on his lyrics.
In the song, Asake suggested that his father was attempting to manipulate him, despite the fact that he had been generous towards him in the past.
He sang about the impossibility of pleasing everyone and emphasized that his actions had always been guided by his faith in God. His lyrics seemed to suggest that no matter what he did, he would still be criticized, a sentiment that resonated with many of his fans.
He also hinted that he had been financially supporting his father but had now reached a point where he felt pressured and unappreciated.
One of the most striking lines in his freestyle was when he said,
“Even my father wants to cajole me. I used to press money for him, and I did it with one mind.” This statement suggested that Asake had indeed provided for his father but felt that his efforts were either unnoticed or unappreciated.
He reinforced his belief that his success was a result of divine favor, stating that no one could extinguish the fire God had placed within him.
His words painted a picture of a man who felt misunderstood, caught between familial obligations and the reality of his own journey.
The response has since sparked mixed reactions. While some fans stood by Asake, arguing that there might be hidden family dynamics that the public was unaware of, others felt that he should have directly addressed the claims rather than responding through music.
As the conversation continues, many are left wondering whether there will be further clarifications or if this will be the last time Asake speaks on the matter.
