By Our Reporter
Tunde Ayeni, the former Chairman of the defunct Skye Bank, has approached a Federal Capital Territory Customary Court in Dawaki, Abuja, seeking a declaration that his ex-mistress, Adaobi Alagwu’s daughter, is not his biological child.
The dispute, which has been ongoing since 2022, centers around Alagwu’s claim that Ayeni is the father of her daughter, a claim Ayeni has persistently denied.
On Monday, while testifying in court, Ayeni, through his lawyer Silas Onu, emphasized that he was never married to Alagwu and that the court should affirm this. He stated, “I want a declaration that she was never my wife; we were never married, and I am not the biological father of her daughter.”
Ayeni detailed his past relationship with Alagwu, stating that although he had initially agreed to a dowry payment and allowed the child to carry his surname, the money was eventually returned to him, further clarifying that there was no formal marriage.
He explained, “I agreed, but it was not for marriage, because I am already married under the Act, and I cannot conduct any other legal union.” Ayeni also presented a copy of his marriage certificate to the court.
The businessman further explained that, upon discovering the child’s physical attributes did not resemble his or any family member’s traits, he no longer believed the child was his. Ayeni accused Alagwu of causing embarrassment by claiming to be his wife and demanding to be recognized as the mother of his child, prompting him to issue a cease-and-desist notice through his lawyer.
In response to Alagwu’s lawyer’s suggestion of a new DNA test, Ayeni refused, stating that he would only consent if other men in Alagwu’s life also underwent the test.
Alagwu, in her counterclaim, rejected all of Ayeni’s assertions. She contended that Ayeni had paid her customary dowry in 2022 and that her daughter was born during their relationship. Alagwu also presented a DNA test result, which purportedly confirmed that Ayeni was the biological father, showing a 99.9999997% probability.
The case continues, with the court scheduling further hearings for March 4, 2025, to allow for the defense’s presentation.
@The Punch