Veteran Nigerian musician and juju music legend, King Sunny Ade, has officially dispelled rumours circulating on social media and local blogs claiming he was recently kidnapped. The 77-year-old music icon addressed the issue publicly to put an end to the widespread misinformation that had sparked concern among his fans, colleagues, and the general public.
In a video statement released through his media team, King Sunny Ade, affectionately known as KSA, reassured everyone that he is safe, healthy, and in high spirits. Seated comfortably and speaking in both English and Yoruba, he emphasized that he had not been abducted or involved in any incident of that nature.
“I want to thank everyone who showed concern and reached out. I am very much okay and at peace. Please disregard any news or post suggesting that I was kidnapped. It is not true,” he said.
The rumour had gained traction on various social media platforms over the past week, alleging that the music maestro had been seized by unknown gunmen while on a journey. Some accounts even claimed a ransom demand had been issued to his family. The false reports created a frenzy online, prompting his fans to seek clarification and many media outlets to begin investigations into the matter.
KSA’s management team also released a formal press statement denouncing the reports as fabricated and dangerous. The statement condemned the spread of false information, particularly about someone of King Sunny Ade’s stature, describing it as not only misleading but potentially harmful.
“It is important to correct this narrative immediately. King Sunny Ade was never kidnapped. He remains in Lagos and continues to enjoy quality time with his family and close associates. We urge the public to disregard the malicious rumours and avoid spreading unverified news,” the statement read.
King Sunny Ade’s son, George Folarin Adegeye, who is also a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, echoed similar sentiments. He described the rumour as “baseless and distressing,” especially for a family that has always maintained a private and respectful lifestyle.
“My father is fine. There is no truth whatsoever to these reports. It’s shocking how quickly false news can spread in this digital age. We’re grateful for those who reached out with concern, but we must now focus on ensuring this does not happen again,” Adegeye stated.
Fans of King Sunny Ade, both in Nigeria and across the globe, expressed relief following the musician’s public appearance and video statement. On social media, many praised the legend for taking time to directly address the issue himself, despite his usually low profile.
“This is why King Sunny Ade remains a class act. Calm, respectful, and always in control. We are glad he is safe,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Media experts have raised alarms over the rise of fake news and the ease with which misinformation spreads, particularly on social platforms. The incident with King Sunny Ade is not the first time a celebrity has been the subject of death or kidnapping hoaxes in Nigeria. Experts now urge both the public and media outlets to verify information from credible sources before disseminating such sensitive reports.
Dr. Tunji Omotola, a Lagos-based media analyst, described the event as “a wake-up call for journalists and bloggers alike.”
“We are now seeing the damage that unchecked information can cause. For someone as revered as King Sunny Ade, a false rumour of this nature is not just hurtful—it undermines the trust between public figures and their audiences,” he said.
The Nigerian Police Force has not issued an official statement on the matter, likely due to the non-existence of a criminal case. However, sources close to law enforcement revealed that no reports or complaints were filed concerning any such kidnapping involving the music legend.
King Sunny Ade, whose full name is Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, is considered one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musical exports. His influence on juju music and African culture at large spans over five decades. Known for his electrifying performances, poetic lyrics, and mastery of the guitar, KSA has toured internationally and collaborated with several global artists.
He was inducted into the Afropop Hall of Fame and was twice nominated for Grammy Awards, further cementing his status as a cultural ambassador. With a career filled with accolades, King Sunny Ade has remained relatively private in recent years, occasionally appearing at state functions, music concerts, or making public remarks on cultural preservation and youth development.
Despite the disturbance caused by the recent rumour, King Sunny Ade expressed gratitude for the support and concern shown by the public. He also used the opportunity to call for more responsible use of digital platforms.
“Let’s be mindful of the kind of information we share. Our words have power. Let’s use it to uplift, not to spread fear,” he urged.
With this clarification now out in the open, King Sunny Ade hopes to return to his peaceful routine and continue enjoying the admiration and respect he has earned through decades of musical excellence.
