Chioma Avril Rowland (Chef Chi)

Chioma Avril Rowland, popularly known as “Chef Chi,” is a Nigerian chef, model, and media personality. Born on April 1, 1995, in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, she is currently 30 years old as of April 2025. Chioma grew up in a Christian household alongside her two sisters, Jennifer and Ifunanya. She pursued her education at Babcock University in Ogun State, where she studied Economics. ​

Early Life:

Chioma Avril Rowland, popularly known as Chef Chi, was born on April 1, 1995, in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, in southeastern Nigeria. She hails from a devout Christian Igbo family and grew up in a close-knit household with two sisters, Jennifer and Ifunanya Rowland. Chioma’s upbringing was grounded in strong family values, religious discipline, and a passion for culture and education.

She attended primary and secondary schools in Imo State before enrolling at Babcock University, Ogun State — a private Christian university — where she studied Economics. It was during her time at Babcock that she met and eventually began dating Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke (Davido). Her striking beauty, quiet charm, and warm personality made her stand out among her peers.

While at university, Chioma also began nurturing her passion for cooking. She eventually gained recognition for her culinary skills, often preparing meals for friends and later showcasing her dishes online. She would later build a brand around this passion, earning the nickname “Chef Chi”, and launching a YouTube channel where she shared recipes and cooking tutorials.

Relationship with Davido:

Chioma Avril Rowland met David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, while they were both students at Babcock University, a private Christian university in Ogun State. Davido was pursuing a degree in Music, which was specially arranged to accommodate his booming music career at the time, while Chioma was studying Economics.

Their love story reportedly began around 2015, but the couple kept their relationship away from the public eye for a few years. Friends and close associates knew they were together, but it wasn’t until 2018 that Davido made their relationship public in grand style — with the release of his hit single “Assurance.” The music video, which featured Chioma as the leading lady, was both a declaration of love and a public confirmation of their romance. To top it off, Davido reportedly gifted her a brand new Porsche car for her birthday that same year, with the word “Assurance” as the license plate. This extravagant gesture fueled massive media buzz and trended widely across social media platforms.

Chioma quickly became a public figure in her own right, nicknamed “Chef Chi” due to her culinary background, and was often seen with Davido at events, family gatherings, and music tours. Their relationship became one of the most talked-about celebrity unions in Nigeria — a blend of glamor, romance, and controversy. The pair seemed inseparable and often posted loved-up photos and videos on social media, reinforcing their image as a power couple.

However, as their relationship became more visible, it also came under increased scrutiny. Rumors of Davido’s infidelity surfaced periodically, with several women coming forward at different times claiming to have had affairs with him or to be carrying his child. One of the most notable controversies involved Anita Brown, an American woman who in mid-2023 claimed she was pregnant by Davido. She alleged she had no idea he was married and brought even more attention to the singer’s complicated romantic past. Chioma, however, remained mostly silent throughout the public saga, earning admiration for her composure and dignity.

Despite these setbacks and public speculations about breakups and reconciliations, Davido and Chioma remained together. Following the tragic death of their son Ifeanyi in 2022, many assumed the couple would quietly part ways. Instead, they grew closer, supporting each other through grief. Their bond seemed to deepen away from the public eye, and they officially became husband and wife in a private legal wedding ceremony shortly after their loss. This union was later celebrated with a grand traditional wedding in 2024.

Their relationship, with all its highs and lows, remains one of the most closely followed celebrity love stories in Africa — a tale of young love, fame, heartbreak, healing, and enduring connection in the spotlight. MyJoyOnline

Family and Children:

Chioma Avril Rowland and David Adeleke (popularly known as Davido) became first-time parents together in October 2019, when they welcomed their son, David Ifeanyi Adeleke Jr., into the world. Ifeanyi’s birth was a joyous moment not only for the couple but for their fans and both families, as it symbolized a deepened bond in their relationship.

However, tragedy struck in October 2022, when Ifeanyi, just three years old, tragically drowned in a swimming pool at their Banana Island residence in Lagos. The heartbreaking incident occurred just a few days after his third birthday, and it sent shockwaves across the nation. The loss was devastating for Chioma and Davido, who went completely off social media and public appearances for months, focusing on their grief and private healing. The tragedy was so impactful that it united Nigerians in mourning, with tributes pouring in from fans, celebrities, and even government officials. Many questioned the role of caregivers and the circumstances surrounding the incident, but the couple chose not to speak publicly in detail, maintaining a dignified silence throughout their mourning.

Despite the unimaginable pain, the couple found the strength to stay together and support one another. Their relationship, once under intense public scrutiny due to rumors and controversies, appeared to solidify during this painful period. It was during this time that they reportedly had a private civil wedding ceremony, legally becoming husband and wife.

In a miraculous turn of events and what many fans described as a “double blessing,” Chioma and Davido welcomed twins—a boy and a girl—in October 2023, exactly a year after Ifeanyi’s passing. The birth of the twins, which took place in the United States, brought renewed joy and healing to the couple’s life. Videos and photos of Davido holding the newborns outside a hospital in Atlanta surfaced online, sparking overwhelming celebration from fans around the world. Many viewed it as a divine restoration after such a painful loss.

The twins, whose names the couple has not made public immediately, are now seen as a symbol of hope, strength, and continuity in the Adeleke family. Chioma has since made limited but graceful public appearances, often looking radiant and content, especially during family outings and major events tied to Davido’s career and their private life.

Their parenting journey is a testimony to resilience, faith, and the enduring power of love amidst life’s harshest trials. Essence

The tragic death of their son, Ifeanyi, in October 2022 marked a turning point in the relationship between Chioma and Davido. In the face of immense grief, the couple chose to solidify their bond privately, moving away from the media glare that had often surrounded their love life.

In November 2022, barely a month after their loss, Davido and Chioma tied the knot in a low-key private civil ceremony. The wedding was intimate, reportedly attended only by close family members and a few trusted friends. This private union, which many fans saw as a show of unity and healing, was not widely publicized until much later when Davido confirmed it in a rare interview in March 2023, saying: “Yes, I am married now.” For Davido, this was not just about love — it was about standing by Chioma in their darkest hour and offering her security and affirmation amidst public speculations and personal heartbreak.

Following their civil marriage, the couple maintained a relatively low profile for much of 2023. However, they surprised fans and the public with news of a lavish traditional wedding celebration on June 25, 2024, held in Lagos, Nigeria. This grand event was a blend of opulence, cultural heritage, and star power. It was not just a wedding — it was a public declaration of enduring love and a celebration of resilience.

The traditional wedding drew dignitaries, celebrities, and top personalities from across Nigeria and beyond. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, top music executives, Nollywood stars, and business moguls were among the attendees. The ceremony was steeped in Igbo and Yoruba traditions, paying tribute to both Chioma’s Imo State roots and Davido’s Yoruba heritage. Traditional attire, dances, and rites were all part of the regal festivities.

Chioma dazzled in her intricately designed George wrapper, coral beads, and radiant smile, while Davido appeared regal in agbada and traditional cap, beaming with pride. The wedding was heavily documented by the media, with clips trending across social platforms under the hashtag #Chivido2024.

This high-profile event silenced any lingering doubts about the status of their relationship. For many fans and observers, it symbolized a love story that had weathered every imaginable storm — fame, rumors, loss, and scandal — and emerged stronger. Their marriage became not only a personal victory but a cultural moment, cementing Chioma and Davido as one of Nigeria’s most iconic celebrity couples.

Their union, now blessed with twins, continues to captivate the public — not just for its fairy-tale moments, but for the raw humanity that has underpinned every step of their journey. Yen.com.gh –

Controversies:

While Chioma and Davido’s relationship has been widely celebrated, it has not been without its fair share of controversies, particularly revolving around allegations of infidelity on Davido’s part. As one of Africa’s biggest music stars, Davido has lived much of his personal life in the public eye, and his romantic relationships — especially with Chioma — have been the subject of intense media scrutiny and public speculation.

From the early stages of their relationship, rumors of Davido being involved with other women often surfaced. Despite making grand public gestures of love towards Chioma, including dedicating his hit song “Assurance” to her and gifting her a luxury Porsche, Davido was repeatedly linked to various women across Nigeria, South Africa, and the United States.

One of the most significant controversies erupted in June 2023, when an American entrepreneur and influencer named Anita Brown came forward on social media with claims that she was pregnant with Davido’s child. Anita released a series of Instagram posts and videos where she alleged that she and Davido had been in contact as recently as early 2023 and that she had no knowledge that he was married. In one of her now-viral statements, she said:

“I did not know he was married, on God. Go to his page; does it look like he is married? I’m confused.”

Anita also accused Davido of trying to silence her and pressure her to terminate the pregnancy, sparking outrage and intense online debate. Screenshots of alleged WhatsApp conversations between her and Davido were leaked, and her posts triggered a social media frenzy, especially among fans of the couple, many of whom rallied behind Chioma.

Shortly after Anita’s claims went viral, more women began to speak up. A French woman, Ivanna Bay, also claimed she was expecting a child with Davido, posting a positive pregnancy test and medical documents online. These back-to-back allegations painted a picture of a man embroiled in multiple paternity scandals, even as he publicly presented himself as a newly married and grieving father.

For Chioma, who had already endured the tragic loss of her son in 2022, the news was a fresh wound. However, she chose to stay silent, refusing to address the allegations publicly — a move that many praised as graceful and dignified. Her quiet stance, combined with Davido’s minimal engagement with the scandal, led fans to speculate that the couple had either chosen to work through the matter privately or were shielding their new family from more public trauma.

Meanwhile, Davido faced widespread criticism for what many described as irresponsible behavior. While some fans attempted to justify his actions, others held him accountable, demanding more respect for Chioma and questioning the authenticity of his marital commitment. Several prominent voices in the media and entertainment industries weighed in on the scandal, reigniting conversations about fidelity, celebrity culture, and the emotional toll of public relationships.

Despite the chaos, Chioma and Davido remained together — and in October 2023, they welcomed twins, further affirming their commitment to each other and their family. Their ability to withstand personal tragedies and public drama has made their relationship both controversial and compelling, drawing sympathy, admiration, and criticism in equal measure.

The cheating scandals continue to follow Davido, but Chioma’s resilience, silence, and focus on family have helped shield her from much of the backlash, reinforcing her image as a private yet strong figure navigating life in the shadows of fame and public judgment. Deeds Magazine

Personal Life:

Chioma is known for maintaining a relatively low profile despite her relationship with one of the most famous musicians in Africa. She is reserved, family-oriented, and focused on her personal growth. Her love for food, family, and fashion is often reflected in her lifestyle and social media content. She is also known for her close relationship with Davido’s extended family, particularly his cousins and siblings, many of whom have publicly praised her character and culinary skills.

Despite being in the spotlight, Chioma has carefully avoided unnecessary drama or clout-chasing behavior, choosing instead to live a quiet, private life, especially following the death of her son in 2022. Her strength and grace during this period gained her immense respect from fans and celebrities alike.

In 2019, Chioma became a mother to David Ifeanyi Adeleke Jr., a joyous moment that further strengthened her bond with Davido. However, the devastating loss of their son in 2022 changed the course of her personal life, leading her and Davido to legally marry in a private ceremony in 2022 and later celebrate their traditional wedding in 2024.

In October 2023, she welcomed a set of twins — a boy and a girl — with Davido, marking a new chapter in her life as a mother once again. Her journey through love, loss, and motherhood has been marked by resilience, maturity, and quiet strength, earning her admiration across the continent.

Chioma is also known for her sense of style, often appearing in elegant, understated fashion that complements her calm personality. She maintains a subtle presence on social media, posting rarely but with purpose — mostly about her cooking, family, or important life updates.

Today, Chioma continues to be seen as more than just “Davido’s wife.” She’s admired as a strong woman, a passionate cook, a devoted mother, and a symbol of quiet endurance in the face of intense public scrutiny.

Culinary Skills:

Chioma is renowned for her culinary expertise, which has earned her the nickname “Chef Chi.” She showcases her cooking skills on social media and has a YouTube channel where she shares various recipes. Her cooking has been praised by family members, including Davido’s cousin, Folashade, who highlighted Chioma’s homemade pizza and chicken wings, noting their exceptional taste. ​Legit.ng 

Public Appearances:

Chioma maintains a relatively private life but occasionally appears at significant events alongside Davido. In November 2023, she made a public appearance at Davido’s AWAY Festival, marking her return to the public eye after the birth of their twins. ​PM News Nigeria

Chioma’s journey reflects resilience and strength as she navigates personal challenges and public scrutiny, all while building her career and family life.

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