Davido: From A Noble Heritage

BY OLUMIDE LAWAL

Some are born great; some achieve greatness; while others have greatness thrust on them. David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly called DAVIDO, has all the above attributes bestowed on him by the grace of God. He has a noble heritage, discovery and optimal utilisation of his God-given talent in music and entertainment industry generally.

The Raji Ayoola Adeleke dynasty of Edeland in Osun State, where DAVIDO hails from, has come a long way in the social, political and economic milieu of their immediate community of Ede, Osun State and Nigeria in general. For the benefit of the members of the public, who may not know, DAVIDO paternal grandmother, late Madam Adeboyin of blessed memory, was one of the outstanding IYALODES – (Women Generalissimo), that Edeland has ever produced.

The esteemed family also has many enviable legacies to its credit majorly it has the rare record of been among the two families in Nigeria that has produced three Senators over a period of time. From the family patriarch, Late Pa Senator Raji Ayoola Adeleke to his son, Late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, who was also the first executive governor of Osun State and lastly to Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke. This achievement is worthy of inclusion in the Nigeria Hall of Fame and probably, the Guinness Book Of Records. It is a no mean feat. This is not to leave out another of the illustrious son and the outstanding business personality of the family, billionaire Dr. Tajudeen Adedeji Adeleke, who is the father of DAVIDO, among other eminent sons and daughters of the family. That is the setting of the dignified family, where music superstar, DAVIDO comes from.

By all standards, the young star is very proud of that lineage and has thus given a good account of himself as a worthy ambassador of the family, through his creative endeavours in the music industry. The young Adeleke has proved to be a force to be reckoned with at a tender age, through diligence and commitment. DAVIDO continues to be a shining light to millions of Nigerian youth, affirming that hard work does not kill. He prides himself at all times as a good son of his late mother, Dr. Mrs. Veronica Imade Adeleke (The Queen of the Heart) and Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, both of whom, gave him and the other children, good parental upbringing, which he has sustained to the glory of God. DAVIDO is hoisting the family flag high without blemish. He has not allowed success to go into his head, rather makes humility and Godliness his watchwords.

Merit, discipline; fear of God and fairness to all manners of people, are some of the hallmarks of the Adeleke family. Hence, DAVIDO imbibed the attributes of equity, open-handedness, honour and integrity from his heritage. Even in the hot political front, the motto of the family has been and still: POLITICS WITHOUT BITTERNESS AND VIOLENCE. This mantra was what late Senator Isiaka Adeleke of blessed memory, amply demonstrated during his lifetime. None of the members of the family of which DAVIDO is a member will hurt a fly. DAVIDO is an epitome of patriotism, good heart; forgiving spirit and philantrophism. The hip-hop rave believes so much in the bond of friendship and fraternity. He holds dear to heart, his peers and always think good of them. To DAVIDO, friendship should be jealously guarded and nurtured.

His incursion into the music industry was through God’s grace and he has since carved a niche for himself. Despite his father’s fabulous wealth, DAVIDO is marching on, making a statement, that self help is the best help. One thing you cannot take away from him, is his dedication and commitment to whatever cause he believes in. Success to DAVIDO means more hard work and despite his success in the music industry at a tender age, DAVIDO saw education as an important factor, upon which careers are built. Because of that, he ensured that he successfully completed a degree course at the Babcock University in Ilishan, Ogun State. With a passion to giving back to the less privileged and larger society, young DAVIDO saddles it upon himself the responsibility of giving scholarships to some students in both Babcock University and Adeleke University in Ede.

Factors that contribute to whom we are in life, include but not limited to instinct to compete for success and the desire to be self-sufficient in the crave for glory and recognition. In most cases, the yardstick set by DAVIDO in attaining success, was his resolve to perform exceedingly well through discipline, while not forgetting, that he owes a lot to maintaining his family core values of integrity and nobility. He has raised the bar for success beyond others’ expectation, telling the world, that he has the potentials to go far beyond where he is today, without been in competition with anybody or cutting corners. DAVIDO’s philosophy is premised on making life more abundant to all.

With the Best African Act award at the 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards bestowed on him in London mid-November, an award he dedicated to the sweet memory of his late mother, Veronica Imade Adeleke, Davido has confirmed his supremacy and stronghold on the Africa Hip-Hop music scene.

The traits of total commitment to friendship, comradeship and fellowship by DAVIDO to people of different colours, tribe, religion and nationality, is of paramount to him. He is of worthy character, raised in the way of truth, honesty and resilience. He is a star that has done his family proud at a tender age. He remains focused in making a great success of his talents in the music industry without let or hindrance.

DAVIDO has proved beyond all reasonable doubts, that he is worthy in character and would do everything possible to be a shining example to the youth. He is definitely above board and beyond reproach.

As he added another year on November 21, 2017, DAVIDO, your Redeemer liveth, He shall prosper you with good health and wisdom in abundance.

Olumide Lawal is a young, budding writer and journalist. He writes from Ede, Osun State.