David Adeleke: Parlaying Influence and Social Impact

When we were working on the Maddtimes Coffee table book, David Adeleke came into view. The book was designed to curate true power and influence. We were looking at people who impact society and influence outcomes without holding elective or appointed positions. It was in that search that Davido emerged.

As expected, he made the list of the most powerful and influential Nigerians, and what happened in Osun State really vindicated his inclusion in the 538-page book.

The role he played, especially in mobilisation, engagement and, very importantly, guarding of the votes, was very critical to the outcome of the elections. It is even reported that he claimed to have received phone calls from such prominent Nigerians like the Senate President and Alhaji Dangote to bring down his tweets as they were obstructing – kurukere moves.

In a live interview, he asserted that – I defeated 17 governors with all their immunity, state funds and power – and my people, that truly is the case.

David has consistently shown that he has the full potential of crossing that very thick line that most celebrities have failed to cross. The line is being able to convert huge social media followership to votes. The likes of Funke Akindele, Yul Edochie, Kate Henshaw and many more have tried in the recent past and failed very woefully. In fact, Funke Akindele’s own was much more spectacular as she didn’t even get up to 20,000 votes in her bid to be Deputy Governor of Lagos despite having over 20 million followers on social media.

David is looking stronger in this space as Nigerians have felt his mobilisation power not only in this Osun case, but in the early days of the #EndSARS protest, and in his philanthropy where he has mobilised billions of naira into worthy causes.

Sadly, he has said politics is not for him, calling it evil. This, for me, is a sad turn for Nigeria because I really believe that if rightly guided, he could lead a revolution of a new kind of socially engaged leadership in our country.

Well, the man has done his bit, and we can only just remain grateful. Thank you, Aburo.