Renowned Yoruba film actor, Adewale Adeoye, popularly known as Adewale Elesho, attributes his widespread recognition to his unique birth circumstances
In a recent interview with media personality Adedoyin Kukoyi, the veteran actor revealed that his albinism sparked immense interest and attention from an early age.
He shared how his parents’ darker complexion contrasted with his own, leading to speculation and curiosity from others.
Elesho’s late mother, a trader, initially felt sorrowful about his birth, fearing rumors of an extramarital affair with her Lebanese supplier due to his unusual appearance.
However, his father’s joy and pride in their shared familial resemblance quickly removed her concerns.
“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”.
Adewale’s elder brother, Yekinni Adebola, fiercely defended him against teasing and ridicule, eventually accepting and embracing his albinism.
Adewale’s journey to stardom began in 2016 when fellow comedian Arole introduced him to Instagram skit-making, paving the way for his prominent career in Nollywood and his son Yemi Elesho’s successful comedy skits.
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Hmm, glad your dad was understanding