A viral video of an elderly man, Mr. Odunsi Fatai—who claims to be the father of Nigerian singer Asake—has sparked intense reactions online. In the clip, Mr. Fatai, visibly struggling with his health, alleges that he has been battling a stroke and has received no support from his son since 2022.

The emotional video has divided opinions. Some critics have accused Asake of abandoning his father, while others questioned the authenticity of Mr. Fatai’s claims. However, new accounts from those familiar with his past paint a different picture.

Reports suggest that Mr. Fatai was a devoted father who raised Asake from the age of three after the singer’s mother left. He worked as a local government employee on Lagos Island and reportedly sold his car to ensure Asake completed his studies at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Neighbors, colleagues, and former teachers have corroborated these claims, praising his dedication as a single parent.

What makes this story even more intriguing is that despite Mr. Fatai’s sacrifices, Asake is said to have formed a stronger bond with his mother—the same woman who allegedly left him as a child. The singer even adopted her name, “Asake,” as his stage identity.

Asake has yet to respond publicly to these claims. Meanwhile, the video has sparked a broader conversation about family responsibilities, fame, and the impact of success on personal relationships. While opinions remain divided, many are calling on well-meaning Nigerians to offer support to Mr. Fatai in his time of need.

This developing situation highlights the complexities of family ties and the blurred lines between public perception and private reality.