Some memories remain close, no matter how much time passes. For some people, certain dates bring back moments they would rather not relive, while others become reminders of people whose absence is still deeply felt.
For two of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, October has become a month with painful memories. Years after separate family tragedies, D’banj and Davido found different ways to remember the sons they lost, sharing messages that offered a glimpse into how much the boys are still missed.
Daniel D3rd: The 13-Month-Old Son D’banj Lost In 2018
For D’banj and his wife, Lineo Didi Kilgrow, the arrival of their first child was a special moment. The couple, who got married in a private ceremony in June 2016, welcomed their son, Daniel Oyebanjo III, in May 2017.
Fondly called Daniel D3rd, the little boy was just 13 months old when tragedy struck.
On June 24, 2018, news emerged that Daniel had died following a drowning incident at the family’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos. He reportedly drowned in the swimming pool at the property.
At the time, D’banj was in Los Angeles, United States, for the BET Awards. The news sent shockwaves across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with fans, colleagues and celebrities expressing sympathy for the singer and his wife.
The Lagos State Police Command also released a statement confirming the child’s death. The police commissioner, Edgal Imohimi, expressed condolences to the family and said officers had visited the residence but did not meet anyone. The command added that it expected the family to formally report the circumstances surrounding the incident after their mourning period.
D’banj initially broke his silence with a simple but emotional message on social media: “Trying times. But my God is always and forever faithful.”
Following Daniel’s death, D’banj and his wife kept away from public attention as they mourned their son. However, in August 2018, about six weeks after the tragedy, the singer returned to social media with a photograph of himself praying in church. Reflecting on the difficult period, he wrote:
“The past few weeks have been incredibly trying and difficult, but God’s love has kept me and my family going.”
He also thanked his team and fans for the love and support they had shown him and his family. He added:
“I can’t thank my team enough and the incredible love from you all. May God keep us all. #StrongerTogether.”
Ifeanyi Adeleke: The Three-Year-Old Son Davido Lost In 2022
Four years after Daniel’s death, another Nigerian music star experienced a similar family tragedy.
Davido and his girlfriend at the time, Chioma Rowland, welcomed their son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, on October 20, 2019. His arrival was celebrated by the couple’s fans, who followed their relationship and journey into parenthood.
Ifeanyi was Davido’s first child with Chioma and the singer’s only son at the time. Davido already had two daughters, Imade and Hailey, from previous relationships. The little boy celebrated his third birthday on October 20, 2022. Davido and Chioma marked the occasion with birthday celebrations and shared moments with their son.
However, just 11 days later, tragedy struck the family. On October 31, 2022, Ifeanyi died following a drowning incident in a swimming pool at the family’s residence in Banana Island, Lagos.
Davido and Chioma were reportedly away in Ibadan when the incident happened. The news quickly spread, leaving fans and colleagues shocked. Eight domestic staff members were reportedly taken in for questioning as part of the police investigation.
On November 5, 2022, the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the cause of death following an autopsy. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said: “Autopsy has been concluded. It confirms the boy (Ifeanyi) drowned.”
The tragedy attracted widespread attention, with celebrities, fans and members of the public sending condolences to Davido and Chioma.
For months after the tragedy, Davido largely stayed away from the spotlight. When he eventually began speaking about the experience, he gave an insight into the pain he and Chioma had been dealing with.
In June 2023, during an interview on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast, the singer revealed that he still cried every morning over his son’s death. He said:
“I miss him every day, tears roll down my cheeks each morning, even though you can’t see it.”
Davido also spoke about his responsibility to support Chioma and his loved ones while finding a way to continue with his life and career. The singer later revealed that he and Chioma had welcomed a new chapter in their family following the arrival of twins in October 2023.
Speaking at the United Masters Select Con event in October 2023, he opened up about how difficult it had been to imagine having more children after losing Ifeanyi. He said the news of the pregnancy came as a surprise to them, especially because it was in the same month they had lost their son the previous year. He said:
“I was at the point of giving up. A beautiful boy and girl came back in double. I kept the faith despite it being very hard. I thought I was never going to be able to sing ever again.”
The singer added that he and Chioma were initially shocked when they discovered they were expecting twins.
In August 2025, Davido again reflected on the experience in an interview, saying losing Ifeanyi had changed his life and outlook. He also spoke about how proud he was of the way he and Chioma had navigated the experience, noting that their ability to continue building their family after the tragedy meant a lot to them.
Davido Remembers Ifeanyi on What Would Have Been His Seventh Birthday
As October 2026 arrived, Davido once again had a reason to remember his late son. October 20 marked what would have been Ifeanyi’s seventh birthday.
The singer took to social media to share a message for the little boy, making it clear that he and Chioma still think about him and miss him. On the 20th, Davido wrote on X:
“LLI 🕊️ Happy birthday son …. Me and mommy miss and love you! Keep flying high ❤️.”
The short message carried a personal reminder of the bond that remains between the singer, Chioma and the son they lost. By mentioning “mommy” in the tribute, Davido also acknowledged the shared loss between him and his wife. The singer’s message attracted reactions from fans and well-wishers, many of whom joined the couple in remembering the little boy.
D’banj’s Emotional Message to Daniel Eight Years After His Death
A little over a week after Davido’s tribute, D’banj also remembered his late son. On Thursday, October 29, 2026, eight years after Daniel’s death, the singer shared photographs of himself, his wife and the little boy alongside a lengthy message on X.
Unlike a brief birthday greeting, D’banj’s post reflected on the years that had passed and the changes his family had experienced since losing Daniel. He began by expressing how much he missed his son, while also acknowledging the pain his wife had carried. He wrote:
“I miss you Daniel D3rd my son and trust me I can’t imagine how your mother feels but we are in a Safe Space now.”
He fondly described Daniel as “Omo Baba Eh, our family’s star boy” and went on to say that he, Lineo and their other children had found a safe space since the tragedy. He added:
“I’m in a Safe space and so is your mother and your brother and sister, I’m sure you are Proud of us.”
The singer also reflected on what the experience had taught him about life, writing: “Thank you for Showing me what life Really is as a WHOLE.”
In another part of the message, D’banj remembered his late brother, Femi, and asked Daniel to greet him. He wrote:
“Say hi to your Uncle Femi, tell him I miss him too.”
He ended the tribute with a declaration of love that captured the depth of his feelings for his son:
“Daddy loves you Specially, Physically, Spiritually and Powerfully.”
The message offered a glimpse into the way D’banj has continued to carry Daniel’s memory. His reference to a “safe space” and to the boy’s younger siblings also showed how much the family’s life has changed since 2018.
Where Are D’banj, Davido and Their Families Today?
Although the two singers have continued with their careers, their families have also grown since the losses.
D’banj and Lineo have welcomed two more children since Daniel’s death, a son and a daughter. The singer’s October 2026 tribute referred to both children as he reflected on the family’s journey, making it clear that Daniel remains part of their family story.
Davido and Chioma, on the other hand, welcomed twins in October 2023, almost a year after Ifeanyi’s death. The arrival of the boy and girl marked a new chapter for the couple after a period the singer had described as one of the most difficult experiences of his life.
The couple have continued to build their family while keeping Ifeanyi’s memory alive. Davido’s October 2026 birthday message was another public reminder that the twins’ arrival did not erase the place their first son holds in their lives.
For both families, life has moved forward, but the memories of Daniel and Ifeanyi remain part of it.
Two Fathers, Two Tributes, One Unforgettable Loss
D’banj and Davido have taken different approaches to remembering their sons over the years. One marked what would have been a birthday, while the other reflected on eight years since a loss that changed his family.
Their messages were different in length and tone, but both carried the same feeling: the love they have for their children has not disappeared with time.
For Daniel and Ifeanyi, their lives were brief. Yet, years after their deaths, their names continue to come up in the stories of the people who loved them most. And as their fathers’ October tributes showed, some bonds remain beyond the moments people get to share.
