Madonna and Malawian Authorities Dismiss Father's Claims  10/24/06

Madonna and the Malawian authorities have dismissed claims made by the father of the 13-month-old boy adopted by the Music singer that he had no idea he was sending his son "away for good".

Yohane Banda, 32, says local officials in Malawi never properly explained the procedure to him and he thought the pop superstar would only be looking after his son DAVID during his education, rather than adopting him permanently.

Madonna and her husband Guy Ritchie were granted interim adoption of 13-month-old David Banda last Tuesday (17OCT06).

Madonna's representative tells the New York Daily News, "I can say with absolute certainty that Yohane was fully aware that Madonna and Guy were adopting David.

"Any reservations you are reading about in the media were, I'm sure, based on his being provoked by reporters. When and how often the baby returns to Malawi is not information I feel obliged to provide."

Penson Kilembe, director of child welfare in the Malawian Ministry of Women and Child Development, adds, "We explained every detail, and Madonna herself explained her intentions in the face of the judge and in Banda's presence.

"He (Banda) was asked several times in court if he understood what was going on, and he said he did."

Banda said yesterday (23OCT06), "I cannot read or write so I relied on what

(government) officials told me, that the papers said Madonna would look after the child the way the orphanage planned to educate him.

"What we agreed with Madonna was that she looks after my child until he finishes school and becomes independent. Then he comes back to me.