pannigeriannews 
By Adewuyi Adegbite
Chief Adekolu Modupe popularly known as Young Ade Wesco died in Ifon, Ondo state on April 6, 2025. When I read the news of his death on social media, I had to call one of her fans in Akure who debunked the rumour. I have, as a matter of fact, sent the message debunking the news of his death on social media until when my informant called to intimate me of the fact that the popular highlife musician had changed address.
Ade Wesco was one of the prominent musicians produced in Ondo State. He sang Highlife of Orlando style and in the late 70s, he gave Orlando Owoh a run for his money. He hailed from Ifon Omimah like Dr Owomoyela Orlando Owoh. One hardly recognizes the difference between him and Orlando Owoh when listening to their records save Orlando Owoh guttural voice.
He released about 40 albums and domiciled in Ibadan and later Lagos before returning to Akure where he engaged in his music.
On the source of his music wether he had boss from whom he learnt music and instruments, he told me he had none but watched Orlando Owoh closely whenever he was at Ifon in the mid 1960s and was able to take after him. There was mild rivalry between him and Orlando Owoh which, according to Orlando Owoh, was caused by their fans. But this was settled amicably between the duo and Orlando Owoh being the elder and a liberal man. In one of my discussions with him few years ago, he berated Nigeria government for neglecting those who had in one way or another served the nation. He mentioned Ondo State especially and Ondo State Radio in particular who instead of promoting his music as a son of the soil prefers to play outsider’s. It was just last week that I was discussing his plight with Bale Dele Adeyanju of Agbaletu fame on how he can be of assistance in rehabilitating him not knowing that he was down with stroke. Unfortunately, as Young Ade Wesco said that Nigeria government at all levels does not care about the plight of Nigeria’s heroes and heroines past.
This is majorly caused by the fact that most of those in position of authority do not know the history of this nation and got to the position without any preparation for the nation building project. Hopefully, this trend and unfortunate aspect of our national life would change one day. Modupe Adekolu died at age 79, leaving behind wife and children. May his his soul rest in perpetual peace, amen.
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