Afrobeats megastar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has stirred emotions across social media with a touching tribute to his late son, Ifeanyi David Adedeji Adeleke, nearly three years after the child’s tragic death.
In a heartfelt post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the Nigerian singer remembered his son, who died in 2022 in a drowning accident. Davido simply wrote:
“Ifeanyi David Adedeji Adeleke RIP LEGEND!!”
The brief but powerful message has reignited the pain felt by fans and sympathizers when the incident first occurred. Thousands responded to the post with messages of love, support, and prayer for the superstar and his family.
A Tragedy That Shook Nigeria
Ifeanyi Adeleke, the first son of Davido and his wife Chioma Rowland, tragically passed away on October 31, 2022, after drowning in the swimming pool at the family’s Banana Island residence in Lagos.
At the time of the incident, Davido and Chioma were reportedly away from home. The devastating news shocked the nation, prompting widespread mourning and tributes from fans, fellow musicians, political leaders, and public figures.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the death, stating that an autopsy revealed drowning as the cause of death. Following the incident, eight domestic workers were brought in for questioning, with two remaining under investigation as law enforcement sought to uncover more about the circumstances leading to the child’s demise.
The case attracted massive public interest and sparked discussions on child safety, responsibility of domestic staff, and the emotional toll of celebrity life.
A Nation United in Mourning
The loss of the three-year-old boy was met with an overwhelming outpouring of grief. Prominent Nigerians including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, American rapper Meek Mill, UK-based rapper Bia, and Super Eagles star Victor Moses joined millions of fans in offering condolences to the Adeleke family.
Across entertainment and sports sectors, messages of love and support were shared. The common thread in most tributes was the painful acknowledgment that no parent should ever have to bury their child.
“I can’t imagine the pain they must be feeling,” wrote one fan on social media. “Ifeanyi’s death broke us all, and we continue to pray for Davido and Chioma.”
Davido’s Temporary Withdrawal from the Public Eye
Following the tragedy, Davido withdrew from public life for several months, cancelling scheduled performances and engagements, including his slot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony in Qatar.
For a while, his absence from social media and the music scene left fans worried, though many respected his need to grieve privately.
When he finally made a return to the spotlight in 2023, it was with a new sense of purpose and vulnerability. He released a deeply personal and critically acclaimed album titled “Timeless”, which became a global success. Several tracks from the album reflected themes of pain, healing, and hope—resonating strongly with his audience.
A New Chapter for the Adeleke Family
In a heartwarming turn of events, Davido and Chioma welcomed a set of twins in the United States in 2023, a development that fans described as “divine restoration” after the dark cloud of Ifeanyi’s death.
While the couple has kept their twins largely out of the public eye, the joyous news symbolized a fresh start and offered the family a sense of healing.
Davido, in multiple interviews since then, has spoken briefly but meaningfully about the pain of losing his son and the long road to emotional recovery.
“I’ve been through a lot in the last couple of years,” he said in a 2024 interview. “But I’ve also seen God’s grace in ways I can’t explain. I’m grateful for my wife, my kids, and the love from fans all over the world.”
Fans and Celebrities React to Davido’s Tribute
The tribute post to Ifeanyi quickly went viral, with the hashtag #RIPIfeanyi trending across platforms. Numerous celebrities including Tiwa Savage, P-Square, Fireboy DML, and Don Jazzy reposted the message or commented under it with broken heart emojis and words of encouragement.
One user wrote:
“This brought back the tears. Ifeanyi will never be forgotten. Thank you Davido for sharing your heart.”
Others highlighted Davido’s strength and openness, praising him for continuing to inspire and connect with fans despite the enormous personal loss.
“Your vulnerability has helped so many people deal with grief,” another fan said. “You’re a legend not just for your music, but for your heart.”
Legacy of a Little Angel
Though his life was brief, Ifeanyi Adeleke’s story has left a lasting impact on many. His tragic passing prompted greater awareness about pool safety, child supervision, and mental health awareness within the Nigerian public.
Some fans have even suggested that Davido consider starting a foundation in Ifeanyi’s name to promote child safety awareness and support grieving families—an idea that continues to gain traction online.
As Davido continues to build his legacy as one of Africa’s most influential musicians, he does so with the memory of his son as a driving force behind his art and humanity.
With new music, growing family responsibilities, and his influence as a global ambassador for Afrobeats, Davido’s resilience has become as celebrated as his voice.
But above all, this latest tribute reminds the world that behind the fame, he is still a father carrying the memory of a lost child—a little legend gone too soon.
