The incumbent Governor of Osun State, Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, was born on May 13, 1960 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.
Governor 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.
Governor Adeleke is a creative Industry entrepreneur and mentor who has mentored world rated ace musicians while his family members and children are leading stars in global music industry.
He is married to Chief (Mrs) Titilola Abosede Adeleke and Erelu Ngozi Adeleke.
The union with his two wives is blessed with children, among whom are Adesina Adeleke a.k.a Shina Rambo, Adebayo Adeleke a.k.a B-Red and Adenike Adeleke.
Following his passion, business interests and entrepreneurship opportunities, Senator Adeleke joined Quicksilver Courier Company in Atlanta, Georgia, US, as a service contractor between 1985–1989. He progressed to Origin International LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, US, a flavours and fragrance manufacturing company where he served as Vice President from 1990 to 1994.
A suave businessman and administrator, he served as a Director in Guiness Nigeria Limited between 1992- 1999 where he contributed immensely to the expansion of the multinational company, alongside other Directors such as General Theophilus Danjuma. He was later appointed Group Executive Director of Pacific Holdings Limited from 2001 to 2016.
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. 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 of the All Progressive Congress, APC, 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.
His clarity of vision, focus and determination has ensured his administration is on course , fulfilling his campaign promises in less than two years in office. What is unique about His Excellency’s governance strategy is the width and depth of policy innovations, which have the people at the center of implementation.
He is well loved by the people and very popular across the State with the nickname ‘Imole’ (Light).
He has attracted lots of commendation, awards and comments by well meaning individuals across the globe who might have doubted his ability to manage the affairs of the State.
The Governor’s achievement so far has been achieved without taking a single kobo as loan, this 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.
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.
His major stand-out qualities are consensus building, resource management, attention to detail, compassion for the poor, communal and interpersonal communications, firmness in decision making and a great listener.
Adeleke was conferred with the title, ‘Aare Asoludero of Igboora’ on October 15, 2023 and on his birth date, May 13, 2024 he was 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.
On Friday, May 24th, 2024, he was honored with the Vanguard Newspaper Award as Governor of the Year in terms of infrastructure.
Sahel Standard celebrates His Excellency as he steers the affairs of Osun State towards economic development.
