Veteran actor, Adewale Adeoye, fondly known as Elesho, has recounted the extraordinary circumstances surrounding his birth, which catapulted him to fame from day one.
Born an albino to dark-skinned parents, Elesho’s uniqueness sparked curiosity and interest in his community, with many visiting to catch a glimpse of the “white man” born to African parents.
In an interview with media personality, Adedoyin Kukoyi, Elesho said despite initial challenges, his father celebrated his birth and instilled in him the wisdom and wit that have made him a beloved humorous actor.
He said: “I became popular since my birth. The news got everywhere that a white man was born. Some will scold their wards for coming to our house because they had given birth to an albino. Some will even wonder if I’m Chinese. Many people come to look at me out of curiosity.
“My birth, too, was a little difficult. My late mother said the day I was born was a day of sorrow for her because she was a dark-complexioned trainer who sold breakable plates that were being supplied to her by the Lebanese. So when I was born in a hospital in Ibadan, my mother wept for the suspicion that might arise that she had had something with one of the Lebanese.
“But when my dad came, my mother said he carried me and started jubilating because I look like his grandmother,” he stressed.
Elesho credits his father’s influence and God’s wisdom for his ability to connect with people through his acting and comedy.
“I can say it was from my father’s character that I inherited the ability to talk. My father was an embodiment of happiness. He was always happy. When the chief is greeted at that time: May the chief live long, he would respond: May the natives not get sick too. He always has a reply to everything said to him.
“I am not the first entertainer from Ikirun. It was God that gave me the wisdom to speak the way I do,” he added.
The actor’s son, Yemi Elesho, has followed in his footsteps, becoming a popular comedian, actor, and Instagram skit maker known for his hilarious roles.