Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, widely known as Asake, has reacted to a viral video in which a man who claims to be his father accuses him of neglect. The man, identified as Fatai Odunsi, said he has been struggling with illness and is in desperate need of financial assistance. His plea has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians weighing in on the situation.
In the video, Odunsi, appearing frail and emotional, said he suffered a stroke and has been unable to reach Asake since March 2022. He claimed that despite numerous attempts to contact the singer, he had received no response.
“Good day everyone, I’m the one that gave birth to Ahmed Asake the singer,” he said in Yoruba. “The last time I set my eyes on him was March 2022 when my sickness started. If I called Asake, he won’t pick. Please help me, it is your help that I need.”
His statement quickly spread across social media, leading to public sympathy and calls for Asake to respond to the allegations. The singer, known for hit songs like Joha and Lonely at the Top, eventually took to his platform to address the claims.
Asake’s Response Sparks Reactions
Rather than issuing a direct statement, Asake responded through a song, seemingly dismissing the claims made by Odunsi. The lyrics, which he sang in Yoruba, suggested that he had been financially supporting his father but was now being manipulated.
“You can’t do enough to please people,” he sang. “Whatever you do, do it for God and always remember the day you’ll die and meet your God. My people, can you see? Even my father wants to cajole me. I used to press money for him and I do it with one mind. No one can quench my fire. God is the one that is taking me ahead in life.”
Asake’s reaction has drawn mixed opinions. Some fans praised him for responding with wisdom and staying focused on his career, while others criticized him for not addressing the matter directly and with more sensitivity.
The Relationship Between Asake and Odunsi
Until Odunsi’s video surfaced, little was known about Asake’s relationship with his father. The singer, who rose to fame under Olamide’s YBNL record label, has largely kept his personal life private. His sudden success in the music industry has made him one of Nigeria’s most talked-about artists, but his family background has remained mostly unknown.
Asake’s recent departure from YBNL has also fueled speculation about his financial independence and the pressures that come with fame. Some believe that his father’s video is an attempt to exploit his success, while others see it as a genuine cry for help.
Public Reactions and Celebrity Family Disputes
The situation has reignited discussions about how Nigerian celebrities handle family responsibilities. In the past, similar cases have emerged where successful artists or entertainers were accused of abandoning their parents or relatives. Some notable examples include the late rapper Dagrin, whose family later struggled financially, and actor Jigan Babaoja, who once faced public backlash for not assisting a relative in need.
Many social media users have expressed their opinions on the matter. While some believe that parents should not rely on their successful children for financial support, others argue that it is an obligation, especially when the parent is in distress.
A Twitter user wrote, “Asake is not wrong if he has been sending money, but he should still find a way to resolve the issue privately.” Another user said, “Parents should not feel entitled to their children’s wealth, but Asake should have at least responded directly and not through a song.”
The Burden of Fame and Family Expectations
Asake’s case highlights the growing trend where celebrities, especially in Nigeria, face immense pressure from family members to provide financial support. Many artists have shared stories of how they have been exploited or pressured by relatives who see their success as an opportunity for personal gain.
The entertainment industry can be unpredictable, and many celebrities worry about maintaining their wealth. Some choose to set financial boundaries, while others struggle to balance fame with family obligations.
