Dr. John Olatunde “Tunde” Ayeni, a prominent businessman and former chairman of Skye Bank, has rejected an alleged out-of-court settlement offer from the mother in the paternity dispute, Ms. Adaobi Alagwu, insisting that only a formal court judgment can resolve the matter and clear his name.
In a statement issued on November 24, 2025, Ayeni dismissed the offer as a “back-door” move that would trivialise the seriousness of the allegations.
He directed his associates to avoid any engagement with Alagwu outside the court process, describing such interactions as a “personal insult.”
Ayeni is expected to testify on November 25, 2025 and February 17, 2026 as the proceedings continue.
The case began on February 11, 2025, when Ayeni filed a suit at the Abuja Customary Court denying paternity of Alagwu’s child.
He has challenged the DNA certificate presented by her, alleging irregularities and claiming the report was compromised.
Ayeni’s legal team maintains he was never married to Alagwu, a position supported by a court ruling.
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A dowry earlier paid to her family was reportedly returned, reinforcing his stance that no valid marriage existed.
The Abuja Customary Court is scheduled to deliver judgment on 11 March 2025 on both the paternity claim and the disputed marital status.
Ayeni’s rejection of the settlement offer signals his insistence on a public judicial determination rather than a private resolution.