Dr. Nnenna Esther Adeleke, the late grandmother of Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, known as Davido, was a prominent figure in Igbo history and culture, celebrated for her contributions to education and community development.
Born in 1935 in Enugu, she passed away in 2003 at age 68, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire the Adeleke family and the Igbo community. As a maternal grandmother to Davido, her influence shaped his pride in his Igbo roots, often reflected in his music and public persona.
Dr. Adeleke was a distinguished educator and philanthropist, holding a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She served as a principal at several secondary schools in Enugu and Anambra states, where she championed girls’ education and vocational training.
Her work in the 1970s and 1980s empowered thousands of young women, earning her recognition from the Igbo Women’s Association. She also founded a scholarship program for underprivileged students, which supported over 500 beneficiaries before her death. Her commitment to community extended to her role as a leader in the Anglican Church, where she organized youth and women’s programs.
Davido has frequently honored her memory, notably in a May 2025 Instagram post where he shared a rare photo of her, captioned, “My Igbo queen, your legacy lives on.” The Adeleke family, led by Davido’s father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, continues her educational initiatives through the Adeleke University in Ede, Osun State. Dr. Nnenna’s Igbo heritage, rooted in her Nri ancestry, instilled cultural pride in her descendants, with Davido incorporating Igbo phrases and themes in songs like If and Fall. Her story resonates as a testament to Igbo resilience, with her grandchildren, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, upholding her values of service and unity.