Ademola Adeleke
Ademola Adeleke has distinguished himself from other Nigerian politicians with his commitment to serving and making Osun State a better place for her citizens. On the 27th of November, 2022, Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke was sworn in as the Osun State Governor, succeeding the incumbent Governor, Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, taking the oath of office with his deputy governor, Prince Kola Adewusi. Before he was appointed into office, Ademola Adeleke had a challenging political career starting off in 2001, with his late brother Senator Isiaka Adeleke. Notwithstanding, Ademola Adeleke established himself as an important figure in the Nigerian government, bringing with him a strong history in both business and politics.
Quick Facts about Adeleke Ademola
Full name: Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke
Date of Birth: 13th of May, 1960
Place of Origin: Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
Education: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Marital Status: Married
Spouses: Erelu Ngozi and Yeyeluwa Titilayo Adeleke
Children: Seven
Occupation: Politician, Businessman, Philanthropist, Administrator.
Political Party: Peoples Democratic Party.
Born into the famous Adeleke Family of Osun State on the 13th of May, 1960, Ademola began his primary education at the Methodist Primary School, Surulere, Lagos before transferring to Nawarudeen Primary School in his hometown, Ede, where he completed his primary education. He then moved on to the Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School in Ede for his secondary education and later transferred to Ede Muslim Grammar School for the completion of his secondary education. After completing his secondary education, he furthered his education at Jacksonville State University in Alabama, where he majored in political science and criminal justice. Numerous issues surrounding his certificate led him to further his study at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the United States, where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice in 2021.
Prior to pursuing his political career in 2001, Adeleke was a businessman and an administrator for many years. He worked in executive positions at top firms in Nigeria and the United States such as Origin International LLC, a flavour and fragrance manufacturing company in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a service contractor for Quicksilver Courier Company also in Atlanta, Georgia. From 1992 to 1999, he worked as the Executive Director at Guinness Nigeria PLC, and in 2001, he took over the executive position for Pacific Holdings Limited, one of Nigeria’s most successful privately held multi-sectoral businesses spanning banking, education, energy & power, engineering, manufacturing, agriculture, trading, freight services, gas, and real estate. He made strategic decisions for the companies and oversaw the manufacturing operations in many parts of Africa. Ademola Adeleke was also the President of Adeleke University, Ede.
As a politician, Adeleke had been a member of the All Progressive Congress Party before decamping to the People’s Democratic Party. When late Senator Isiaka Adeleke suddenly suffered a heart attack at age 62, Ademola Adeleke ran for his vacant position and won. Ademola Adeleke was elected as the new senator representing the Osun West Senatorial District in 2017 under the Peoples Democratic Party. During his tenure as a senator, he served on different committees, contributing to legislative processes and advocating for the welfare of his constituents. Some of his achievements during his one-year service to the Osun West community include the 250 million Naira scholarship fund made available to 50 students from 10 local government areas in Osun West, the provision of transformers and solar-powered street lights for several communities, and the construction of new classes for Agbale Grammar school in his hometown, Ede and many more.
His drive and passion to serve the state led Ademola Adeleke to make the gubernatorial run in Osun State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party two years after serving the Osun West Senatorial district. He was declared the winner of the Osun State governorship election, however, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) ruled it to be inconclusive. The election was redone by the state on September 27, 2018, where his opponent, Gboyega Oyetola was then pronounced the victor on July 5, 2019, according to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
After he publicly lost the governorship office to the opposing party, Senator Ademola Adeleke was more determined to run again for office. In his quest to become the Governor of Osun State, he faced some obstacles. He was arrested and detained in police custody on the 6th of May, 2019 for alleged forged certificates but was later discharged and acquitted as there was no evidence to back up the claims against him. Hence, the case was dismissed. This controversy led him to continue his study at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the United States, where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice in 2021.
In 2022, Senator Adeleke contested for the governorship again under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that took place on the 16th of July. He defeated the incumbent Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, with a total of 403,371 votes, and won in 17 local government areas. The Ex-Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola petitioned the Supreme Court of Nigeria for a review of the Court of Appeal’s Decision that the election tribunal’s decision was invalid, but Adeleke was reinstated as the new Governor of Osun State.
Adeleke’s gubernatorial campaign was centred around improving education, healthcare, and socioeconomic development of the state. He had promised to prioritise the interest of the citizens of Osun State and the overall development of the state. With his campaign slogan “Imole de”, the citizens of Osun State look forward to what their new governor has in store for them for the next 4 years.
Aside from running the Osun State public affairs, Adeleke is known for his incredible dance moves and seen as a popular sensation on the Internet. He is known by a lot as “Dancing Governor” as a result of his unique dance moves. He never shies away from showing his excitement with his dance steps anywhere he goes. The Governor has also won several awards and honours for his significant contributions to his community. He is still dedicated to accomplishing his goal of making Osun State a thriving and long-lasting centre of socioeconomic development.
Ademola Adeleke has distinguished himself from other Nigerian politicians with his commitment to serving and making Osun State a better place for its citizens. On the 27th of November, 2022, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke was sworn in as the Osun State Governor, succeeding the incumbent Governor, Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, taking the oath of office with his deputy governor, Prince Kola Adewusi. Before he was appointed into office, Ademola Adeleke had a challenging political career starting off in 2001, with his late brother Senator Isiaka Adeleke. Notwithstanding, Ademola Adeleke established himself as an important figure in the Nigerian government, bringing with him a strong history in both business and politics.
