Just as the news of the arrival of a new born baby brings joy, happiness and gladdens the heart and soul of parents, family members, friends and others, so it was in the case of the Adeleke Clan in Ede, Osun State, on May 13,1960 when the incumbent Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke was born.
Governor Adeleke was born in Enugu to Pa Raji Adedeji Adeleke and Mama Nnenna Esther Adeleke. Being the last child of the family, he has three older siblings namely; Late Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, Dr Deji Adeleke and Yeye Dupe Adeleke-Sanni.
Adeleke attended Methodist Primary School, Surulere, Lagos State, before relocating to the old Oyo State to finish his primary education at Nawarudeen Primary School, Ikire.
For his secondary education, he attended the Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, Ede, and Ede Muslim Grammar School. After his secondary education, he relocated to the United States of America for further studies.
He studied criminal justice and political science at Jacksonville State University, Alabama, and later in 2021, went back to Atlanta Metropolitan State College, USA to bag a degree in Criminal Justice.
He is married to Chief (Mrs) Titilola Abosede Adeleke and Erelu Ngozi Adeleke.
The union is blessed with children, among whom are Adesina Adeleke a.k.a Shina Rambo, Adebayo Adeleke a.k.a B-Red and Adenike Adeleke.
His active role in politics began under the mentorship of his late brother Isiaka Adeleke, and in 2017 he emerged as the Senator representing Osun West in a by-election after the death of his brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke.
After two years in the red chambers, he contested for the 2018 Osun governorship position on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and lost. Like the saying, “destiny can be delayed but can never be denied” and “Winners never quit, quitters never win”,he contested again in the July 16, 2022 governorship poll and won after polling 403,371 votes in 17 local government areas, to defeat the then sitting governor Adegboyega Oyetola who polled 375, 027 votes.
Governor Adeleke was sworn in on November 27, 2022 and with his private sector experience, observers were keen to see how he will turn around the economy of the State. Key among his campaign promises is the prioritisation of public workers’ welfare, payment of salaries, gratuities and pensions, boosting the state’s economy through facilitating business loans to market women, youth and artisans; and driving a homegrown infrastructure policy.
Others are a people-focused social policy through skill-based education, affordable health care, State security and social security support among others.
With clarity of vision, focus and determination, Governor Adeleke is fulfilling these promises in just a year and half in office.
What is unique is the width and depth of policy innovations, which have the people at the center of implementation.
This is why government exists.
And to imagine the Governor is achieving all this without taking a single kobo as loan as stated by the government is tremendously applaudable and worthy of emulation. This is pace setting at its best, a Testament to His Excellency’s prudent management of State resources. No wonder, everywhere he goes, the mass show of affection is overwhelming.
Adeleke was conferred with the title, ‘Aare Asoludero of Igboora’ on October 15, 2023. , Today May 13, 2024 which marks his 64th birthday, he will be conferred with the title of ‘Asiwaju of Ede’ the traditional title held by his late brother, Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.
The Asiwaju of Ede position is an added feather to his cap and a charge to sustain the enviable records set by his late brother in Edeland and as the governor of the State.
The spate of progress in good governance in Osun state from November 2022 till date is proof to a prosperous future not only for Ede, but Osun state as a whole.
On this day of double celebration, SAHEL STANDARD Management and Team felicitates with the “Peoples’ Governor”.
We pray that the Almighty shall continue to bless and prosper you
and your vision of taking Osun to greater heights.
Congratulations Sir and Cheers to more years!
