Veteran Nollywood actor Adewale Adeoye, popularly known as Elesho, has revealed that his albinism brought him fame from the moment he was born. The actor shared this insight during a recent interview with media personality Adedoyin Kukoyi, shedding light on his unique experiences growing up as a person with albinism in Nigeria.
Elesho, father of popular skit maker Yemi Elesho, recounted the stir his birth caused in his community. “I became popular since my birth. The news got everywhere that a white man was born,” he said. The actor explained that albino births were uncommon at the time, leading to widespread curiosity and, sometimes, misconceptions.
“Some will scold their wards for coming to our house because they had given birth to a person with albinism. Some will even wonder if I’m Chinese. Many people come to look at me out of curiosity,” Elesho recalled.
The actor also shared a poignant story about his birth, revealing the initial distress it caused his mother. “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,” he explained. His mother’s concern stemmed from fears of potential suspicions about her relationship with her Lebanese suppliers.
However, Elesho’s father’s reaction was quite different. “When my dad came, my mother said he carried me and started jubilating because I looked like his grandmother,” the actor said. This acceptance set the tone for Elesho’s upbringing, with his elder brother, Yekinni Adebola, often defending him against those who called attention to his albinism.
Elesho attributed his gift of gab to his father’s influence. “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 reminisced. The actor highlighted his father’s quick wit and jovial nature, traits that have evidently shaped Elesho’s own personality and career.
Known for his roles in Nollywood classics such as ‘Blacksmith: Alagbede’, ‘Kakatu’, ‘Ayitale’, ‘Obi omo’, ‘Òwú ìyá 2’, ‘Okan soso’, and ‘Kówópé’, Elesho has made a significant mark in the Nigerian film industry. His story serves as a testament to overcoming societal prejudices and turning uniqueness into a strength.
The actor’s revelations offer a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of living with albinism in Nigeria, while also highlighting the evolving perceptions of albinism in society. Elesho’s journey from being a curiosity at birth to becoming a celebrated actor underscores the power of acceptance, talent, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
