Former Skye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni, has asked a Federal Capital Territory Customary Court in Abuja to officially declare that his former mistress, Adaobi Alagwu’s, daughter is not his.
Ayeni and Alagwu have been in a legal dispute over the child’s paternity since 2022. While Alagwu insists that Ayeni fathered the child, he has repeatedly denied the claim.
Ayeni: “I Am Not the Father”
During court proceedings on Monday, Ayeni, represented by his lawyer Silas Onu, testified that he and Alagwu were never married and urged the court to make a pronouncement to that effect.
“I want a declaration that she was never my wife; we were never married, and I am not the biological father of her daughter,” he stated.
He admitted that he initially paid money to Alagwu’s father as a form of dowry and agreed for the child to bear his surname. However, he later requested a refund after concluding that the child was not his.
Ayeni further stated that Alagwu had been falsely presenting herself as his wife, causing embarrassment to his legal spouse and family. In response, he sent her a cease and desist notice through his lawyer, Dele Adesina (SAN).
Dispute Over DNA Testing
Ayeni claimed that the child had no physical resemblance to him or any member of his family, citing features like flat feet, which he said do not run in his lineage.
Although a DNA test had been conducted, he rejected its results and refused to take another test unless Alagwu’s other alleged partners also participated.
“I know there are others who were in relationships with her at the same time. If I am to submit for another DNA test, all of them must do the same,” he argued. 
Alagwu’s Defense Set for March 4
Alagwu’s lawyer, T.G. Okechukwu, informed the court that she was currently abroad for medical reasons but would be available to present her defense on March 4. In her counterclaim, Alagwu denied all of Ayeni’s assertions and maintained that he is the father of her daughter.
The case will continue on the scheduled date as both parties prepare for the next phase of the legal battle.
