- Adeleke said he visited his late brother’s grave before the election
- He said the visit gave him emotional and psychological strength
- The governor secured a second term after defeating Bola Oyebamiji and Najeem Salaam
Moments before facing voters in the Osun governorship election, Governor Ademola Adeleke turned to a deeply personal source of encouragement by visiting the resting place of his late brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the governor revealed this while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics after securing another four-year mandate in the state.
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According to him, the visit was a way of remembering his brother, popularly called Serubawon, and seeking prayers as he prepared for another crucial political battle.
Adeleke described Isiaka as someone with whom he shared a close bond, noting that they had similar personalities and enjoyed life in much the same way.
He said the loss still affects him emotionally and that he sometimes breaks down in tears when visiting his brother’s grave.
Recalling his visit before the election, the governor said he spoke to his late brother and asked him to pray for him as he embarked on the electoral contest, describing the moment as an important psychological boost.
Isiaka Adeleke died in April 2017 after a career that included serving as Osun’s first civilian governor and representing Osun West in the Senate.
His death became an important turning point in the political life of his younger brother. Ademola later contested the Osun West senatorial seat, won it and eventually went on to become governor.
The governor said his siblings have remained an important source of support throughout his political journey. He also credited Osun voters for giving him another opportunity to lead the state.
The latest election saw Adeleke, who contested on the Accord Party platform, defeat APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam.
Official results showed Adeleke with 511,067 votes, against Oyebamiji’s 444,815, while Salaam secured 17,180 votes. Adeleke carried 19 of Osun’s 30 local government areas, while the APC candidate won 11.
After his victory, the governor pledged to focus his second term on transforming Osun’s economy, with an emphasis on industrialisation and reducing the state’s dependence on civil service activities.
He also called on residents and political opponents to put the election behind them and work together, insisting that the outcome should not create lasting divisions.
Celebrations followed the declaration across parts of Osun, particularly in Osogbo and Adeleke’s hometown of Ede, while his nephew, Davido, joined other supporters in celebrating his re-election.
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