By: Prince Eerik A.Odigie
There is an adage that says the apple does not fall far from the tree. This truth is exemplified in the life of David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, who is in no way different from his great father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke a man who has truly shown himself to be a father to the fatherless.
From a tender age, Davido proved he was indeed his father’s son.
I first met Davido through the late Captain Hosa Okunbo another father to all great fathers and the fatherless, including myself.
Captain fathered me for ten straight years and took my affairs so personally that even his children often wondered about the depth of our bond. Captain loved unconditionally, without measure or concealment.
One day, Captain said to me, “Eerik, meet Davido, my godson.” I looked at the young Davido smiling beneath my huge shadow while Captain laughed in his deep, reassuring voice at my admiration and surprise. I had known Davido as a world-class star, but what I did not know was that we shared the same “father.”
I hugged him and said, “I am your number one fan.” From that moment, my love for Davido grew even stronger. Captain went on to explain that Davido’s late mother was from Edo State and that, in truth, we were all brothers. I was stunned.
That night, Davido performed by the poolside at Captain’s house in Benin City, but the introductions did not end there. Captain also introduced Israel to Davido. Israel expressed interest in working with him, and almost like magic, Davido accepted without interviews, probation, or prior personal knowledge.
From that day onward, the world came to know Israel as Israel DMW, Davido’s manager and close friend.
One would have expected discrimination, given the difference in class and status, but Davido showed none.
Instead, he embraced Israel wholeheartedly, often calling him back whenever he was away, sometimes even using his authority as a boss not out of dominance, but affection. Their bond reminded one of the biblical friendship between Jonathan and David.
I was not close to Israel at the time, but I knew of his hunger to survive and to become somebody despite overwhelming odds. He fought his way out of sinking clay to find relevance first to himself, then to his country. Eventually, the world saw Davido invite Israel to open his show at the O2 Arena in London.
That moment was an honour beyond words. Israel did not pay homage to the Oba of Lagos or Ondo, but instead gave respect to the people who had embraced him Captain Hosa, the Igbinedions, and others who had supported him, paid his school fees, and gave him a seat at their royal dining tables during his formative years.
Davido adorned Israel in prestigious Benin attire as he stepped onto the O2 stage. Before a sold-out crowd of over 50,000 people, Israel raised his voice and shouted, “Oba gha to kpẹ ẹ!” and the world thundered back, “Iseee!”
That moment became history.
It earned greater respect for the Adeleke dynasty, strengthened their bond with the Benin monarchy, elevated Israel to global recognition, and marked a turning point in the histories of Israel, Davido’s family, and Davido’s music.
From that day, all Ẹdolites became Davido FC.
When Israel later sought the hand of my beauty queen in marriage, I supported him wholeheartedly. I encouraged the Queen’s family to accept without hesitation because I saw Israel under the shadow of Davido Adeleke, a man of leadership, loyalty, and protection by example. Many things I later prophesied came to pass, including advising Israel to let Davido choose the wedding date so he could attend freely.
Davido’s own marriage to Chioma after Israel’s wedding, the conflicts that followed, and the manner in which they unfolded all pointed to divine guidance. Notably, Davido never took sides during the conflict between Israel and his in-laws, understanding that marriage is a personal cross every man must bear.
Yet love only grew stronger.
The Adeleke family, like the Okunbo family, exemplifies what it means to be a billionaire family with a heart of gold quietly contributing to humanity while remaining humble and respectful to ordinary people.
Dr. Adedeji Adeleke’s philanthropy spans churches, individuals, and institutions from the Seventh-day Adventist Church to his late mother’s Celestial Church of Christ, where he annually sponsors youths abroad for fully funded master’s degree programmes, covering tuition, housing, stipends, and more.
Davido’s charitable giving, including donations to orphanages, had long existed quietly until one year when friends publicly announced their birthday donations, making secrecy impossible.
Like his father, Davido gives generously to his aides gifts that often shock the world. Dr. Adeleke himself treats his driver as a son, pays staff salaries early especially before yuletide and provides food, household items, and financial support to ensure joyous celebrations. This generosity extends to friends, churches, organizations, and numerous orphanages on steady support.
Dr. Adedeji Adeleke has shown us the true meaning of wealth rooted in Christ-like values, humanity, and service. His leadership style is that of a team builder, not a dictator. His fatherly traits reflect clearly in his children, particularly the daughters who once dragged their little brother David to church a living fulfillment of the scripture: “Train up a child in the way he should go”.
His handling of Davido during public accusations was masterful. He addressed the false accuser, Kemi Olunloyo, without insult or hostility.
He sent his driver repeatedly to Ibadan, understanding that a human life was involved. Even after DNA results confirmed innocence, he treated the accuser’s family with dignity funding further tests, hotel accommodation, transportation, and care choosing love over vengeance.
He defended even his false accuser before medical authorities, suggesting room for human error rather than malice. Truly, he walked the path of Christ.
Dr. Adedeji Adeleke is not merely a father he is an institution. His example is difficult to emulate because it is rooted in depth, humility, and grace. In an era where power often shouts, he chose silence, love, and restraint.
No wonder His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke our beloved dancing governor leads with people-first governance, public praise of God, and timely payment of workers’ salaries, outperforming predecessors who struggled with arrears. Their upbringing by a virtuous, God-fearing mother is evident.
Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, thousands whose lives you have touched pray for you daily. May God, who shows mercy to the merciful, continue to shine His face upon you and your generations. Your sacrifices are recorded in heaven. Your legacy will never fade.
Long live the Adeleke Dynasty.
Long live Davido DMW.
Long live Dr. Adedeji Adeleke.
Written by:
Prince Eerik A. Odigie
Chairman, Divine Smiles Foundation International
Organisers of Face of the World Nigeria & Face of Edo Beauty Pageant
