By Ayomide Otitoju
Re-elected Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has revealed that he visited the grave of his late brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, before the governorship election to seek his prayers and draw psychological strength.
Adeleke made the disclosure during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics following his victory in the election.
Speaking about his late brother, the governor said they shared similar personalities and a love for life, adding that he still misses him deeply.
“My late brother Serubawon and I, we are alike. We behave the same way. He loved life too. I miss him a lot,” Adeleke said.
The governor said he sometimes visits his brother’s grave and becomes emotional. He added that he visited again on the eve of the election to seek his brother’s prayers.
“Sometimes I cry. I go to his grave and say, ‘Brother, I miss you,’ and I cry. Even yesterday, before the election, I always go there and say, ‘Brother, here I am again on the march. I am going for an election. I want you to pray for me.’ You know, just a psychological boost for me,” he said.
Isiaka Adeleke, who died on April 23, 2017, was the first civilian governor of Osun State and later represented Osun West Senatorial District in the Senate.
His death marked a significant point in Ademola Adeleke’s political career. The younger Adeleke subsequently contested and won the Osun West senatorial seat before later becoming governor.
Reflecting on his political journey, Adeleke said his siblings had remained supportive throughout his career. He also credited the people of Osun State for his re-election, saying the electorate had continued to support the Adeleke family.
Adeleke secured a second term after defeating his closest challenger in the governorship election.
He polled 511,067 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes. The ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes.
Following his victory, Adeleke described the result as a triumph for democracy and pledged to use his second term to transform Osun from a civil-service-dependent state into an industrial hub.
The victory triggered celebrations across the state, particularly in Osogbo and his hometown, Ede, while singer Davido also celebrated his uncle’s re-election on social media.
