This is Ademola NJ Adeleke: The People’s Governor

He came first as the “dancing Senator” and is now, the “dancing Governor;” Adeleke is famous for his good nature and his propensity to break out into good-hearted dances. However, there is so very much beyond those effervescent dance moves for which the public identify with him. This article will unveil those inspiring other sides of the Osun State Governor, his early life, education, business career, political journey, the excitement he has brought to the office of governor, philanthropic work, and personal life captured by BY DR. FLORENCE OMISAKIN

Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, born May 13, 1960, is a Nigerian politician and businessman who has served as governor of Osun State since 2022. His swift transition from business into politics has been both fascinating and challenging. As a member of the famous Adeleke family from Ede, Osun State, Adeleke’s life and career embody resilience, philanthropy, and a passion for service to the people of his state.

Early Life and Education

Ademola Adeleke was born into the prominent Adeleke family, a well-known family in Osun State, Western Nigeria. His father, Chief Raji Ayoola Adeleke, was a Second Republic Senator, and his elder brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, was the first civilian governor of Osun State. Growing up in a politically active family, Adeleke was introduced to public service from an early age.

He began his primary education at Methodist Primary School in Surulere, Lagos State, before moving to Nawarudeen Primary School in Ikire, Old Oyo State. For secondary education, he attended Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School in Ede and later Ede Muslim Grammar School. After completing his secondary education, Adeleke moved to the United States to further his studies.

In the U.S., Adeleke enrolled at Jacksonville State University in Alabama, majoring in criminal justice and minoring in political science. He knew where he wanted to be in future and pursued it in earnest. Due to controversies about his educational qualifications, he later pursued additional studies and earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Atlanta Metropolitan State College in 2021. This degree helped resolve questions about his academic background and solidified his qualifications for governance.

Career in Business and Corporate Sector

Before venturing into politics, Adeleke had a successful career in business. His corporate career began in the United States, where he worked with Quicksilver Courier Company in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1985 to 1989. He later rose to the position of Vice President of Origin International LLC, a company specialised in the manufacture of flavours and fragrances, from 1990 to 1994.

Back home in Nigeria, this strides continued as he served as an Executive Director at Guinness Nigeria Plc from 1992 to 1999, where he worked alongside notable figures like General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd). His contributions to the company during this period are well-recorded. After his tenure at Guinness, Adeleke joined Pacific Holdings Limited, a company founded by his late brother, Isiaka Adeleke, and here he worked as Group Executive Director from 2001 to 2016.

His business career, particularly his leadership roles at Guinness Nigeria and Pacific Holdings, equipped him with valuable experience in management and strategic decision-making. These skills would later prove essential in his political career, as they helped him navigate complex issues and make informed policy decisions.

Political Career

Ademola Adeleke’s entry into politics was sudden and equally meteoric. This came after the tragic death of his elder brother, Isiaka Adeleke, in April 2017. Isiaka’s death left a significant void in the political landscape of Osun State, and many called on Ademola to step into his brother’s shoes. In July 2017, Adeleke contested the Osun West Senatorial by-election under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He won in a landslide victory, riding on the goodwill, sympathy and legacy of his late brother. While many wrongly assumed that he won simply because of his heritage and name, it is important to remember that this Adeleke stood out, his character being markedly remarkable, and people were willing to take a chance on him.

Adeleke’s time as a Senator was quite significant. He advocated for infrastructural development and social welfare programs and sponsored several bills to improve his constituents’ living conditions, focusing on education, healthcare, and rural development.

In 2018, Adeleke took a bold step to run for the office of Osun State Governor. And this came as a surprise to many. Why? The 2018 governorship election was highly contested, with Adeleke running against Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Iyiola Omisore of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Notably, APC became the ruling party in Nigeria in 2015 and were quickly taking over every state, especially in the south-west of the country. The election, held on September 22, 2018, was initially declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A re-run was scheduled, and Oyetola was declared the winner after the run-off, and this result was strongly disputed.

Adeleke contested the outcome of that election, describing it as a “coup.” On March 22, 2019, the tribunal declared him the winner, but this victory was short-lived. The Supreme Court later upheld Oyetola’s win on July 5, 2019. Despite this setback, Adeleke remained a key figure in Osun politics.

2022 Governorship Election and Victory

Adeleke’s resilience and commitment to public service led him to contest again for the governorship in 2022. This time, he emerged victorious, defeating the incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola, in the July 16, 2022, election. He secured victory in 17 out of 30 local government areas, including key regions like Olorunda, Ede South, Osogbo, and Odo Otin.

His victory in the 2022 election was celebrated as a triumph for democracy and the will of the people. Adeleke’s popularity, particularly among the youth and grassroots communities, was a major factor in his electoral success.

Adeleke celebrating his victory with popular singer Davido.

Governorship: Policies and Achievements

Since assuming office as governor, Ademola Adeleke has prioritised addressing the most pressing needs of Osun State’s citizens. His administration focuses on improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.

• Education: One of Adeleke’s key priorities has been rehabilitating public schools across Osun State. Many schools had fallen into disrepair under previous administrations, and Adeleke’s government moved swiftly to address these issues by upgrading school facilities, providing learning materials, and improving teacher welfare. Adeleke recognises the importance of education as a tool for societal development and ultimately, economic growth.
• Healthcare: Adeleke’s administration has also prioritised healthcare reforms. His government has embarked on the renovation of healthcare centres and the recruitment of medical personnel, particularly in rural areas where access to quality healthcare has historically been limited.
• Infrastructural Development: Governor Adeleke has initiated several road construction and rehabilitation projects across Osun State. These infrastructural improvements aim to boost trade and economic activity by enhancing connectivity between different parts of the state.
• Youth Empowerment: As expected for a leader who enjoys massive support among the youths, Adeleke’s administration has launched numerous skill acquisition programs to empower Osun State youths. These initiatives are designed to equip young people with the skills necessary to succeed in the modern economy through employment or entrepreneurship. The governor has also supported the growth of the state’s creative industries, including music and film, creating opportunities for the youth to excel in these fields.

Ongoing construction of flyover bridges at Lagere Ile Ife, Osogbo, Ede and Ilesa by Osun state govt under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Strides of an Achiever

Employing a similar energy in his dancing to work, in the two years of coming into office, governance is no longer the same in Osun State. He has exceeded expectations and the following are clear indicators:

• The 333 Wards in the state now have potable borehole water
• Within the first 100 days, he constructed over 20 kilometres of roads
• A total of 40 communities received the sum of N518 million to aid in development of infrastructure
• 18,000 people in the 9 Federal Constituencies in the state received free surgeries for such ailments as cataracts, hernia, pterigium, and hypertension, malaria, tuberculosis, etc.
• Distribution of Transformers to rural communities for electrification
• Resumption of work on the 20 kilometres abandoned Osogbo/Ikirun/Kwara boundary road
• So far, over 3,000 indigenes of the state have been enrolled into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) to deliver universal healthcare services delivery
• The state has now domesticated the Nigeria Start-up Act and followed with the Osun Google Mapping project
• Several kilometres of roads have been dualised in the state capital Osogbo, Ikire, Ede, Ikirun, Ife, Iresi, Ilesa Iwo, etc.
• Critical interventions in the form of spot patching have taken place on such roads as Oke Fia – Dele Yes Sir, Oke Onitea failed section, Owode failed section, Lameco – Station road, etc.
• In what could be described as turning the state into a massive construction site, work is ongoing in such places like Allahu Lateef Saw Mill failed covert in Ede, similar one at the Owoope/Oke Ola Ajegunle box culvert Gbogan, another culvert construction of failed colvert in Adeeke, Iwo, and the Shasha failed culverts along the Uni-Osun road.
• Primary Healthcare Centres across Osun state without exception are undergoing renovation.
• Bridges and overhead flyovers are crisscrossing the state ostensibly to ease traffic and link places that have hitherto been cut off from urban life into major towns and city centres.

For a man who understands the importance of human capital and the labour force for the success of any venture, Governor Adeleke has demonstrated an unmatched capacity to make life meaningful for the workforce in Osun state since inception of office. While he has embarked on defraying unpaid deductions from workers’ salaries in the state, the Adeleke government has paid over N2 Billion as palliative wage awards from December 2023; this include N15,000 for public servants and N10,000 for pensioners.

And in a demonstration of his commitment to electoral promises, Governor Adeleke in less than two years in office, has completely cleared the backlog of salaries owed the state’s workforce by the previous administration.

Similarly, the ebullient government has commenced the appointment of Permanent Secretaries in the state as against the unpopular past style of using Coordinating Directors to serve as Accounting Officers of MDAs. For retired civil servants in Osun State, there could never have been a better time than now as the Adeleke administration has been releasing bond certificates to retirees under the pension scheme which has billions of naira at both state and local government’s levels.

While plans have reached advanced stage to engage new teachers in the state schools, the governor equally appreciates the impact of the present economic hardship on the people of the state hence, he has created special food marts across the state to sell food at subsidized rates thereby mitigating the high food inflation.   

For the man who rode into office backed by an extensive corporate world experience, speed and efficiency at service delivery are obvious his biggest strength. While he is yet speaking, actions are already taking place. On November 22, 2024; he would have only spent 24 months in the saddle as Executive Governor of Osun State but, his accomplishments within such a short time speaks volume.

Perhaps in recognition of his largeness of heart where providing best of governance to his people, in April this year, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu defied political inclination and located the Alternative School for Girls in Osun State.   

Philanthropy and Community Development

The Adeleke family is renowned for their philanthropic efforts, and Ademola Adeleke has continued this legacy before and during his office. Through the Adeleke family foundation, they have supported the construction of schools, healthcare facilities, and other public infrastructure that benefit underserved communities in Osun State.

Governor Adeleke has also been personally involved in several philanthropic initiatives. He has sponsored scholarships for underprivileged students and supported programs to empower women and vulnerable groups in the society. His philanthropic work aligns with his vision of creating a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Renovation of Primary Health Care Centres by Osun state govt under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Personal Life

The Governor, Ademola Adeleke is married to First Lady of Osun State, Chief Titilola Adeleke and Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, and they have eight children together. His son, Adebayo Adeleke, popularly known as B-Red, is a well-known figure in Nigeria’s music industry. Adeleke is also the uncle of internationally acclaimed Afrobeat artiste Davido. The Adeleke family’s influence in politics and entertainment has marked them out as one of the most recognisable families in Nigeria and beyond.

Governor Adeleke and some of his kids, including the popular B-Red (second top).

Despite his high-profile status, Governor Adeleke is known for his down-to-earth personality and his love for music and dance. His jovial nature and willingness to engage with the public have endeared him to many Nigerians, who appreciate his approachable demeanour and relatability.

Controversies: The Certificate Scandal

A significant controversy in Adeleke’s political career was the allegation of forgery regarding his secondary school certificate and WAEC result. His opponents claimed that the testimonial he submitted to INEC was falsified, leading to a court case. The accusations revolved around discrepancies in the dates and names on his academic records. However, the court dismissed the case in 2019 due to insufficient evidence, allowing Adeleke to continue his political career without further legal hindrance.

Conclusion

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s journey from the private sector to public office is a testament to his resilience, inspiration and testament to his endearing commitment to improving the lives of the people of Osun State. His administration’s focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment is yielding so much positive results, never imagined since the inception of the state. Adeleke’s philanthropic efforts and connection with the people have made him a beacon of light in Osun politics. His vibrancy and speed of delivery in public office is, to say the least transformational.

As Governor Adeleke continues to lead Osun State from the front, with a legacy that promises to bring them into the elite class of states in Nigeria, it can only be meaningful if they will repeat the 2022 feat by voting massively for him again in 2026 thus elevating Osun’s status. This only way this wave can become more meaningful and enduring.