Nigerian actor Patrick Doyle has praised Afrobeat sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, for his ability to maintain composure in the face of public criticism, stating that the more the singer is attacked, the more his global stature continues to rise.
Doyle made the comments in a post on his Facebook account on Sunday, likening the artist’s path to a philosophy by the late Obafemi Awolowo.
Doyle explained that Awolowo had shared how, throughout his life, adversities and criticisms—often aimed at discrediting him—would eventually transform into blessings.
He wrote, “I remember attending a birthday party for Segun Awolowo in his illustrious grandfather’s stately home in Ikene. In the hall adjacent to the mansion where the party took place was an inscription “Eebudola” under a drawing of the zodiac sign of Pisces.
“It was a few years later when I read in an interview that the sage granted what ‘Eebudola’ meant.
“He explained that he had noticed a pattern in his life’s trajectory about how that everything his peers and adversaries used to cast aspersion on him usually turned out to be a blessing for him in the end. The explanation resonated with me profoundly and reinforced my fanatical admiration for the great man.”
Going further, Doyle stated that this concept plays out in the life of Davido saying, “Bringing it to the present, I have noticed a young man who of late has been on the receiving end of aspersions from his peers.
“As for the unwarranted abuse from his peers, it appears that the more they attack him and he ignores them, the more his stature as a global star shines.”
He added that Davido is “perhaps the least arrogant of his peers even when he has the credentials to be the most arrogant given the aristocracy of his antecedents compared to his street brought up peers.”
“Truly, the Awolowo “Eebudola” concept is working in the life of young David Adeleke, the Eebudola of the entertainment industry,” he wrote.
Further describing Davido attitude to criticisms, Doyle added, “I have also noticed his attitude towards them and the relentless attacks. He has, for the most part, maintained a calm disposition and a reluctance to engage his adversaries.”
The actor further praised Davido approach to conflict, saying, “I find this to be commendable, and I imagine it is an inherited trait from his father who, though a business mogul, is possibly the most self effacing billionaire around.”
The actor however noted that while Davido appears to be “flashy and brash at first look,” his career “demands he be that way.”
“On a few occasions, when he has erred and been corrected by elders, he has humbly redirected his steps and never once retorted rudely to correction,” Doyle added.
“In short, he has displayed all the traits of a true “Omoluabi” in this regard.”
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.