Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido has publicly honored his late son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, in a poignant social media post nearly three years after the child’s untimely death. The artist, born David Adeleke, shared a tribute on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Ifeanyi David Adedeji Adeleke RIP LEGEND !!” accompanied by a photo of the toddler. The post marks one of the singer’s few public reflections on the tragedy since the October 2022 incident that claimed his son’s life.
Ifeanyi, who was three years old at the time, drowned in a swimming pool at the family’s residence in Banana Island, an upscale neighborhood in Lagos. Authorities confirmed Davido and the boy’s mother, Chioma Rowland, were not present during the accident. An autopsy later determined the cause of death as drowning. Police initially detained eight domestic staff members for questioning, with two remaining under investigation to clarify the circumstances of the incident. The case continues to draw attention, though no recent updates on the probe have been disclosed.
The tragedy prompted an outpouring of support from fans, public figures, and fellow celebrities. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, American rapper Meek Mill, and soccer star Victor Moses were among those who extended condolences, emphasizing the universal anguish of losing a child. Davido temporarily retreated from public life following the incident but returned in 2023 with his critically acclaimed album Timeless, which debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s World Albums chart. The project, featuring global collaborations, marked a resilient career resurgence for the award-winning artist.
In a turn toward healing, Davido and Chioma, now married, welcomed twins in the United States later in 2023. While the couple has kept details of their newborns private, the births symbolize a hopeful chapter for the family. Davido’s recent tribute underscores the enduring impact of personal loss, even as he continues to shape Afrobeats’ global ascent. His journey—from grief to artistic renewal and parenthood—reflects a narrative of resilience that resonates far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
