Malawian father opposes Madonna adoption

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LILONGWE, Malawi, May 3 (UPI) -- A 24-year-old Malawian man says he opposes U.S. pop star Madonna's attempt to adopt his 4-year-old daughter.

James Kambewa said in an interview set to air this week on CBS' "The Early Show" Madonna should not be allowed to adopt his daughter, Chifundo "Mercy" James."

"I want to take care of her and I'm capable to take care of my baby. ... Mercy, she is a Malawian -- so (I) need her to grow as a Malawian, as well with our culture," he told CBS.

Kambewa said he has never held his daughter -- or even met her -- and has only seen media images of her.

The interview is part of a three-part series CBS plans to run beginning Monday on Madonna's adoption, the network said.

The little girl's maternal grandmother has decided to support Madonna's adoption bid, CBS reported Sunday.

"I did not want my granddaughter to be adopted," Lucy Chekechiwa said, "but because they have been persistent enough, I have been forced to let my granddaughter go."

Madonna's appeal was scheduled to go before Malawi Chief Justice Lovemore Munlo Monday.