Nigerian businessman and former chairman of defunct Skye Bank, Tunde Ayeni has formally reacted to the paternity tussle involving him and a female lawyer in Abuja, identified as Adaobi Alagwu.
In a series of publications, had reported how Ayeni was alleged to have fathered a child, a baby girl, with Adaobi.
The reports delved into their alleged relationship and connections to prominent personalities within the Abuja social sphere.
In a statement he personally signed, Ayeni revealed a DNA test conducted by both parties showed he is not the father of Adaobi’s baby.
exclusively reported a plan to conduct a DNA test to determine the paternity of the child.
“Ayeni has said to everyone that he has nothing to do with her or her child and will never do. He’s even blocked her on all his phones and cut every communication ties with her.
“And it’s really hard to understand why someone that tells so many lies will be taken seriously, already everyone knows Ayeni didn’t buy her a G-Wagon as earlier suggested in the media. Let me also hint you about a plan for a DNA test,” a source had told the newspaper.
The businessman in the statement also denied buying properties for the female lawyers.
Ayeni added that he would no more have anything to do with Adaobi and her daughter.
The statement read, “I, Dr. Tunde Ayeni, CON, hereby refute the noxious rumour concerning me and Miss Adaobi Alagwu. Consequently, I find it pertinent to set the records straight permanently and for the last time.
“One, I am not involved in any way with Miss Alagwu and I will never be again. I do not have anything to do with her and her daughter and I will never have anything to do with them.
“Two, the rumours alleging that I gave her certain material possessions including a house, an office and cars are all lies. They are figments of the imagination of mischief makers.
“Three, I wish to affirm that I am a father to three wonderful children with my delectable wife, Abiola. These are the legitimate scions of the Ayeni dynasty. I do not have any child elsewhere. To allay any form of speculation based on Miss Adaobi’s claims, I hereby state that a DNA test was conducted to ascertain the paternity of the child.
“However, for the sake of the child involved, even though we are not related to her, my wife and I have chosen not to speak of the content of the DNA. The Ayeni family is not in any way connected to the child and we will never be. Thus I refute the rumour of my connection to her and her mother.
“The happiness and stability of my immediate family are of utmost importance to me always. And I remain committed to upholding the undiminishing love, peace, and unity of my beloved family, thus I stand by my wife for her unwavering love and loyalty in the face of undeserved discourtesy spelt by the rumour. I want to thank her for coming out boldly to speak for our family in her recent interview. I stand with her in defence of our family. And I am wholeheartedly in support of her submissions in the interview.
“I recognize that my speaking out on this matter might not be a common occurrence but in the light of my hard earned reputation, my children’s future and the need to stand by the right principles even in the face of so much blackmail and set the records straight, I choose to clarify matters. A man is only as good as his beliefs.
“This is the last time that my family and I will come out to address the issue. Even as there seem to be major attempts by the efforts of naysayers to blackmail me and my family into shifting grounds or accepting what is certainly not in the best interest of our family, they will fail.
“I want to thank our friends, family and associates for reaching out to us in this trying moment. We appreciate their outpouring of goodwill and love. The media, friends and general public are, therefore, advised to respect our privacy and our stand on this matter.”
FILE
Meanwhile, a close relative of Adaobi last week confirmed Adaobi was evicted from an office building Ayeni gifted her.
He also insisted that the businessman was responsible for the pregnancy as he allegedly paid the female lawyer’s flight tickets, and hospital bills to have the baby in the United States.
The source added that the child’s passport carries his name.
“Yes, he has sent her away from the house and office building. We are surprised by how he (Ayeni) suddenly changed and denied the baby, probably because of his wife at home. The continued humiliation and attack on Adaobi by Ayeni and his wife won’t be tolerated, the family will soon speak on this and I’ll definitely let you know,” Adaobi’s family member had said.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
