In a poignant ceremony held at Adeleke University in Ede, Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke on Wednesday commissioned the multi-million-naira Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Leadership Centre.
The state-of-the-art facility, facilitated by the Member representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State, is named in honour of the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, Osun State’s first civilian Governor. It was envisioned as a hub for nurturing ethical, inclusive, and people-focused leadership.
In his keynote address, Governor Adeleke described the Centre as a “landmark initiative” that embodies his late brother’s enduring legacy.
He said:
“It is with mixed feelings of joy and remembrance that I attend this event as a Special Guest. The commissioning of the Leadership Centre named after my late brother, the first Executive Governor of Osun State, is a landmark event. Its significance extends both to the Adeleke dynasty and the people of Osun State.
“My late brother, former Senator and pioneer Governor of our dear State, truly represented a school of thought in political leadership. His style, ideas, and philosophy were unique and distinctive. He was a model never before seen in Osun State—a leader deeply entrenched in the hearts of the people due to his classic, people-centered governance approach.
“When he was alive, my brother was a leveler who detested discrimination in all forms. His artisan supporters were just as important to him as his wealthy admirers. When invited to local events, he wore the attire selected for the occasion. To him, all men and women were created equal, and differences based on class and wealth were unacceptable.”
He added:
“If the late Senator Adeleke upheld equality in both private and public life, he also demonstrated open inclusiveness as a political leader. In every decision, he ensured all stakeholders had a voice. He adopted the Athenian model of democracy, where all residents contributed to the governance process.
“Another unique feature was his pro-people outlook. Decisions were always made from the viewpoint of the people. Throughout his tenure as Governor, my brother remained focused on delivering democratic dividends and good governance to the people of Osun. He was deeply driven by love for the citizenry, which he saw as the true purpose of democracy.
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“Moreover, Senator Adeleke was a strong believer in infrastructure development as a foundation for economic growth. He dedicated a significant part of his time to establishing institutions and agencies designed to jumpstart a strong state economy.
“A key element of strong leadership is the ability to inspire followers. Our late Excellency spread optimism amidst governance challenges. His can-do spirit fostered a loyal political following. He mentored many new leaders who carried forward his vision of open governance and sustainable development.
“Creating a Leadership Centre in honour of the first Executive Governor of Osun State is therefore a well-deserved tribute to a blessed legacy. It is also a legacy project for both present and future generations to learn and adopt a culture of inclusive, consultative, and open leadership.
“I commend the initiator of this project and a mentee of our late brother, Hon. Bamidele Salam. His consistent efforts to sustain Senator Isiaka Adeleke’s legacy are deeply appreciated by the entire Adeleke dynasty and all admirers of our late leader.
“I expect the Centre to run various leadership development programmes. Our nation today needs leaders equipped with the skills of open governance, consensus-building, public-spiritedness, and selfless service. Under Adeleke University, this Centre can serve as a valuable platform for imparting such skills.
“It is on this note that I commission this Centre in memory of the first Executive Governor of Osun State, the former Asiwaju of Edeland, my dear brother, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke,” the Governor concluded.
In an emotionally charged address, Rep. Bamidele Salam, the lawmaker representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency, reflected on the eighth anniversary of Senator Adeleke’s passing.
He said:
“On a Sunday morning, my friend Femi Adefila and I were at church in Dada Estate when Femi suddenly stood up and signaled for me to come outside. I was puzzled and wondered what had happened.
“We stepped outside, and Femi shared the news: someone had just called to say that ‘Gov’ had passed away. Naturally, I asked, ‘Which Gov?’ We stood under a tree, and that was when the flood of calls began, each confirming the heartbreaking truth.
“It was on this day, eight years ago, that Osun State, Nigeria, and humanity lost a truly remarkable man, a great leader—His Excellency, Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.
“May God Almighty grant him eternal rest. For a man like Otunba Adeleke, it’s difficult to build monuments worthy of his legacy. No matter how many statues or buildings we erect in his honour, it will never be enough—especially when we think of the countless lives he touched.
“Today, as we commission this Leadership Centre, I view it as a small token, a mere drop in the ocean, of the many things that have been—and will continue to be—done in his honour.
“When we decided to create this Centre, I asked myself what leadership truly means. At its heart, leadership is compassion.
“I remember a conversation I had with the Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun. He said: ‘You cannot be a political leader if you are not compassionate.’ A person who lacks compassion can never be a good leader.
“When we think of compassion, we look to great leaders like Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, and others who embodied that principle. Otunba Isiaka Adeleke was one of those leaders.”
He continued:
“This Leadership Centre is our way of preserving his legacy, his story, and the many contributions that might otherwise fade with time. I recall a conversation I had years ago with a prominent figure in our community. He expressed concern about how Governor Adeleke transitioned into politics.
“Dr. Deji Adeleke, our father, once told me that Otunba Adeleke initially planned to run for local government chairman. When he approached his father, Senator Ayoola Adeleke, the idea seemed laughable to him—Otunba was too refined and too exposed, especially having lived many years in the United States.
“Later, Otunba Adeleke returned with a bolder ambition—to contest for the governorship of Oyo State. Again, his father laughed. But Otunba’s determination was unmatched. With unwavering commitment and the full support of His Excellency Ademola Adeleke and the rest of the family, he threw himself into the race.
“And as history shows, the political campaign Otunba Adeleke ran in 1989, 1990, and 1991—before Osun State was created—was one of the most vibrant and flamboyant in the history of the old Oyo and Osun States.
“That kind of history must not be forgotten. That’s why we’re building this Centre—so that future generations can come, press a button, and learn about Otunba Isiaka Adeleke’s journey.
“In an era when so much political history is being lost, we need this Centre to document his life, work, and legacy.
“This is a place where generations to come, even 30 years from now, can learn who Otunba Isiaka Adeleke was and what he stood for.
“Otunba Adeleke was a man of immense patience and tolerance—qualities essential in any great leader.
“The design of the Centre’s frontage is inspired by Otunba Isiaka Adeleke’s traditional cap. Inside, we have a library, a photo gallery, three offices, and a lecture hall accommodating 250 to 300 people.
“We also have a development plan for the next three to five years to ensure systems and processes are in place to sustain the Centre’s mission and vision.
“Finally, I want to commend the siblings, wife, and children of Otunba Isiaka Adeleke. Your support and commitment to his legacy are invaluable,” he concluded.
Also speaking at the event, the Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal (Laminisa I), referred to Otunba Isiaka Adeleke as “an embodiment of wisdom, strength, and leadership.”
He commended Rep. Salam for “putting the history together and setting the records straight.”
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