Last week, Malawian officials said Madonna had been granted an interim order to adopt Banda and could be given a waiver or exemption allowing her to skirt a law that prohibits non-residents from adopting Malawian children.

They said they expected Banda to visit and spend time with Madonna, who has homes in the United States and Britain, while waiting for a hearing on the application, which could take up to two years.

"Our understanding was that they [Madonna and British filmmaker, Guy Ritchie] would educate and take care of our son just as they were doing at the orphanage," said 32-year-old illiterate peasant farmer Yohane Banda tells Us magazine in a telephone interview from the Lipunga Village

Banda said he was told by Penston Kilembe, Director of Child Welfare Services, and Rev. Thomson John Chiepta, Director of the Home Orphange Centre, (where Baby David spent most of his life) that, "when David grows up he will return back home to his village." According to him, he was never told "adoption" meant David would cease to be his son.

"If we were told that she wants to take the baby as her own we could we could not have consented because I see no reason why I should give away my son," Banda says.

"Mr. Kilembe and the pastor explained to me that Madonna would take care of my son; I am just realizing now the meaning of adoption," he says. Banda also claims he has no copies of documents pertaining to the adoption itself.

"All the documents are with Mr. Kilembe," he insists.

Now a senior Malawian government official has hit back at Yohane Banda. On Monday the senior Malawian government dismissed Yohane Banda's comments as untrue.

Penson Kilembe, director of child welfare in the Ministry of Women and Child Development, told Reuters the ministry explained every detail of the process to Banda and his family.

"We explained every detail and Madonna herself explained her intentions in the face of the judge and in Banda's presence," Kilembe said. "He (Banda) was asked several times in court if he understood what was going on and he said he did."

In other news, People reports Madonna will appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show this week to discuss her decision to adopt David Banda.

The show will tape Tuesday and air Wednesday, a spokesperson for Harpo Productions tells the Associated Press.