In this exclusive interview, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, known for his signature dance moves and lively personality, speaks with Ismaeel Uthman on his administration’s infrastructural projects, regional security, and his relationship with music star, Davido.

Excerpts:

Your administration is over two years old. Would you say Osun is better off since you came to power?

Without blowing my trumpet and with all modesty, Osun is indeed better off. The state is progressing, and we have recorded numerous achievements within just two years. We prioritise workers’ welfare, ensuring their salaries are paid regularly and clearing the backlog of half salaries we inherited.

When we assumed office, pensioners were in a dire condition; many were dying because the government had neglected them. My administration began paying their entitlements as and when due. In addition, I introduced the Imole Free Medical Care programme for pensioners.

Currently, we have about 27,000 pensioners benefiting from the free medical care. A unique aspect of this initiative is that if any registered pensioner falls ill in another state and receives treatment, they can submit the bill to Osun, and the government will cover the cost. All pensioners under this scheme have their medical cards. They are happy, and so am I, because it is unfair for someone to work for years and not be cared for after retirement.

In terms of infrastructure, Osun is developing. Every part of the state has become a construction site. We are building roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools. You are free to fact-check my claims.

What do you consider the most difficult aspect of being a governor?

Many people underestimated me because of my style and because I am not a pretender. They assume I would not perform or take governance seriously due to my love for dancing. But they have been proved wrong. The challenges have been numerous, but we have tackled them head-on.

The first major issue was the bitter politics and immaturity exhibited by the last administration. Out of sheer pettiness, officials of the previous government looted the Government House before leaving office. Everything was carted away; the TVs, air conditioners, furniture; everything. They even vandalised the place. We documented the entire state of the Government House on video for record purposes. I could not live there for a year because I had to renovate and re-furnish it. My fellow governors even made jokes about the deplorable condition of the place. It was embarrassing.

Another major challenge was the backlog of half salaries and pensions. When I assumed office, I found the situation unacceptable and took immediate action. We started clearing the backlog every quarter, and as of now, we have paid for nine or 10 months. We are also paying off the debt we inherited.

Project abandonment was another issue. For reasons best known to him, the previous administration under Oyetola abandoned projects initiated by (former governor Rauf) Aregbesola, even though they were from the same party. I decided I would not follow that path. When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. Why should a project beneficial to the people be abandoned?

I called all contractors back for a meeting and secured their commitment to complete those projects in a standard manner. We re-mobilised them to their sites, and several projects have now been completed. Typically, new governments terminate contracts awarded by their predecessors, but I did not do that. Instead, I continued working with those contractors.

For instance, there is a VIP lodge within the Government House that Aregbesola started, but Oyetola abandoned it, leaving it overgrown with weeds. By the time I took office, there was even a big tree growing inside the building, and its walls had cracked. I renovated the structure, and today, it is a beautiful edifice. I do not believe in discontinuing good projects for any reason.

We have been doing our projects without borrowing a dime. We did not borrow any money because I believe in prudence. I decided that we must live within our means. I also tried using our local content and our engineers for our projects. Up till now, I can assure you, they have not failed me. That’s how we have been able to manage our resources.

You mentioned executing projects without borrowing. However, the opposition All Progressives Congress alleges that you have plunged Osun State into debt. How true is that?

Fact-check both my claims and theirs—they are lying. Many banks have approached me with offers for loans and financial facilities, but I rejected them. I do not want to add to the state’s financial burden. My approach is to manage available resources prudently.

Let me state a fact: every state in the federation has been receiving additional funds since the removal of fuel subsidies. Osun has been receiving its share, and I am utilising those funds effectively. So, why should I borrow when I have resources to work with?

If you are not borrowing, where else do you get funds for your projects? Do you rely solely on federal allocations?

No, not just federal allocations. The first thing I did when I came into office was to block all revenue leakages. More importantly, I do not have a godfather demanding financial returns from me. No one bankrolled my election, so I am not under pressure to divert state funds to repay political debts.

I ensure transparency and prudence in governance. Unfortunately, many people do not realise this about me. They only see a man who enjoys dancing, but behind the scenes, I am meticulous about managing resources efficiently.

You said you do not have a godfather. How true is that?

When a godfather funds your election or lends you money for campaigns, they expect contracts or financial rewards in return. You become obligated to them, and in trying to please them, governance suffers. After two years in office, there would be little or nothing to show.

I am grateful for my family’s unwavering support, especially my brother, Dr Deji Adeleke, who funded my election. He has never demanded a single kobo from me, nor has he asked for any contracts. Instead, he constantly reminds me of my promise to deliver good governance and ensure the people of Osun enjoy the dividends of democracy. He has even warned me that if I deviate from this path, he will personally hold a press conference to denounce me.

I am fortunate to have a supportive family, and that has played a crucial role in helping me achieve my goals for Osun State.

Some people have accused you of nepotism, saying your government is dominated by your kinsmen and that more infrastructure projects are concentrated in Ede, your hometown. How do you respond to this?

That is not correct. Of the first four people I appointed when I became governor, only one is from Ede, and all of them are Muslims. Regarding major appointments, only the Chief of Staff could be said to be a significant one. Another key appointment, the Ministry of Works, is directly under my supervision because I want to ensure we meet our targets.

In fact, Ijesa and Osogbo people have benefited more. Our administration is running an open government, and you can verify my claims anywhere within the state. The locations of our projects are available for public scrutiny, so you can check which city or town is getting what.

When you assumed office, you set up a committee to review mining activities. How far have you gone in addressing illegal mining in Osun?

Osun people have been cheated for so long in the mining sector, but our administration has nothing to hide. We are correcting the mistakes of past governments. I am happy to report that Osun State now has its mining licence. We have obtained a shareholding licence from Segilola, which the state did not have before. That’s why we were not being paid in the past.

We are also sanitising mining activities to ensure the safety of our people and the environment while addressing illegal mining. Additionally, we have directed miners to address the challenges faced by mining communities and to minimise environmental hazards.

How is your relationship with other South-West governors, given that you are one of only two PDP governors in the region?

I have a very cordial relationship with all South-West governors. They all attended my chieftaincy coronation and thanksgiving ceremony. I relate freely with them, and they do the same with me.

When I was appointed Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for the Ondo State governorship election, I told my team I would visit the state governor, but some of them opposed it for political reasons. However, I insisted because he is the governor, and it would be improper to enter his territory without notifying him. I went to see Governor (Lucky) Aiyedatiwa, and he was happy to receive me.

One thing about me is that I am open-minded. Once you are declared governor or president, you are responsible for everybody, regardless of party affiliation. Not everyone will vote for you, and they have their reasons. But you’ll be surprised that those who didn’t vote for me in 2022 may support me in 2026. If I disregard them, I will lose their votes. Once you have the majority on your side, you must govern for everyone.

Would I say that those who didn’t vote for me shouldn’t drive on the roads we constructed? No, that’s not possible. Whether you are in APC, PDP, NNPP, LP, or any other party, I see you as my people.

A few weeks ago, I attended the birthday of former Lagos State Deputy Governor Femi Pedro. I was the only PDP governor there, yet I felt comfortable. In fact, I stole the show. I relate freely with everyone.

There is an ongoing conversation about increasing security in the South-West, particularly with the reported incursion of bandits into the region. What steps are being taken to strengthen security?

Governor Sanwo-Olu is the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum. I met with him a few days ago, and we briefly discussed the next meeting, where we will continue deliberations on strengthening security in the region.

We already have Amotekun, and they are doing well. But our discussions go beyond just strengthening Amotekun. I cannot disclose too much because it is a security matter, but I can assure you that every state is involved in efforts to improve security.

Are you worried about the possibility of bandits infiltrating the South-West?

Our security agencies, including Amotekun and the DSS, are doing a commendable job. They are alert and taking necessary steps to prevent any breakdown of law and order. I particularly commend the DSS for the recent arrest of suspected ISWAP members. We will continue to ensure that Osun remains unsafe for criminals.

The APC is considering fielding its 2026 governorship candidate from Osun West Senatorial District, where you also come from. Given that the APC won four of 10 LGs in Osun West in the 2022 governorship election, does this worry you?

I am not worried. Why should I be? They can field their candidate from anywhere they like. In fact, they are confused about who to pick. Whoever they choose, I will defeat them. My performance will speak for me.

Osun people are wiser now. Their eyes are open, and they know the difference between those who deceive them and those of us who deliver on our promises and put smiles on their faces. Even members of the opposition appreciate what we are doing because they never believed governance could be this impactful. People who value good leadership will support my re-election. So, I am ready for the opposition. They have the right to field whoever they want; that is democracy.

The Adeleke family has produced two governors and three senators in Osun. What do you think is responsible for this political success?

First, I must thank my parents for their love and the strong family bond they instilled in us. I also appreciate their sacrifices.

My father was a senator under the Unity Party of Nigeria in 1979. My late brother, Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, was both a senator and a governor. I have also served as a senator and I am currently the governor. Our family is well-established, and I am grateful for God’s grace upon us.

I must especially thank our mother, Esther Nnena Adeleke, for fostering unity among my siblings and me from a young age. The bond between us is so strong that no one can come between us. Of course, we have disagreements, and we tell each other the truth, but we always work through our differences. Even as a governor, I still attend family meetings where my performance is reviewed. They correct me when I go wrong and commend me when I do well.

Our family values integrity. We were taught that when you make a promise, you must fulfil it. That is why people call me the “Talk and Do” governor. I feel guilty if I promise to do something and fail to deliver.

In summary, our parents instilled strong social and political values in us, and we are benefiting from their sacrifices. We are also enjoying God’s grace.

Davido is always present at your events. How close are you to him?

He is my son. Biologically, he is my cousin, but to me, he is a son. We are very close. Davido grew up with my children—B-Red, Shina Rambo, Nicols Living, and Folasade. They all grew up together, attended the same schools, and played together. I used to organise dance competitions for them in my sitting room and would reward the winner. Interestingly, Nikos Living always won.

Among them, Davido was the shy one while growing up. He was particularly close to B-Red, who helped him overcome his shyness. B-Red was always encouraging him to do things. I remember when they travelled to Atlanta and bought musical instruments without informing any of us. We couldn’t reprimand them because we saw their passion for music.

Davido and I are very close, and he doesn’t joke with me. I attend his concerts to support him, and he, in turn, attends my events. The love between us is deep.

What role did Davido play in your electoral success?

After we were cheated in the 2018 governorship election, Davido was devastated. He wept bitterly, and I had to console him. I assured him that we would return in 2022 and reclaim our mandate. I promised that he would be part of the planning, and that gave him hope.

When the 2022 election came, he campaigned vigorously for me and stood by me throughout the process. He gave his all, and now, he is a happy man because we won.

You dance a lot and I am wondering, where did it all start?

This is a true story—my mother once told me that while she was pregnant with me, I would move each time she heard music, especially praise and worship. But as soon as the music stopped, I would become still. She always wondered what kind of child I was because it was unusual.

When I was about nine months or a year old, she noticed that anytime I cried and music was played, I would stop crying and start dancing. As I grew older and started working, I realised I was more productive whenever I played music. Dancing is part of me.

When I was elected as a senator, my opponents tried to use my love for dancing against me. But instead of it working against me, it made me even more popular, especially on social media. God turned things around for me, and people started loving me even more. So, I continued to dance. At some point, my family advised me to slow down, but I refused because I know that my dancing brings joy to many people.

I have also taught other governors that dancing doesn’t diminish their status, respect, or credibility. We are all human. Dancing doesn’t make me any less of a leader. Even President Bill Clinton played the saxophone, and that didn’t change his position as a president. Everyone has a hobby.

Now, I have influenced other governors to embrace dancing. I love dancing, but it does not affect my performance. In just two years, we have achieved so much. I appreciate my team for that. We inherited a terrible situation in the state, but we hit the ground running, and now, we have a good record to show.

How do you balance governance with family responsibilities?

It is not easy, and I must appreciate my wives for their sacrifices. Fortunately, they are also busy. One is the wife of the governor, the other is the first lady, and they both have official engagements to attend.

However, during holidays, we make time to be together and enjoy quality moments as a family. Governance is a huge sacrifice, but we are managing it well.

Credit: punchng.com

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