Encomiums as Governor Adeleke commissions centre donated and named after late Governor by Rep member in Osun
…. compassion is at the root of true leadership- Rep. Bamidele Salam
…Obas, leaders eulogise first Civilian Governor, Isiaka Adeleke
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, facilitated by Representative Bamidele Salam.
The centre, named in honour of the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, Osun State’s first civilian Governor, is envisioned as a hub for nurturing ethical, inclusive, and people-focused leadership.
Governor Adeleke, delivering his remarks at the event, described the centre as a “landmark initiative” that captures his late brother’s enduring legacy.
According to his speech, “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. The significance is both for the Adeleke dynasty and the people of Osun State.
“My late brother, former Senator and pioneer governor of our dear state, truly represents a school of thought in political leadership. His style, ideas, and philosophy are unique and distinctive. He was a model never before seen in Osun State. He is a leader deeply entrenched in people’s hearts because of his classic, people-centered governance approach.
“When he was alive, my late brother was a leveler who detested discrimination in all forms. His artisan supporters were as important to him as his wealthy admirers. When invited to local events, he wore the clothes selected for the occasion. To him, all men and women are created equal, and differences based on class and wealth were unacceptable.”
He added, “If late Senator Adeleke upheld equality in private and public life, he also demonstrated open inclusiveness as a political leader. In both private and public decisions, the late Governor ensured that all stakeholders had a say. 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 made from the viewpoint of the people. I’m u Throughout his tenure as Governor, my late brother focused on delivering democratic dividends and good governance to the people of Osun. He was deeply driven by a love for the citizenry, which he saw as the true goal of democracy.
“Aside from all the above, Senator Adeleke was a strong believer in building a state in infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth and development. He devoted the bulk of his time to creating critical institutions and agencies designed to jumpstart a strong state economy.
“A key ingredient 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 continued the spirit of open governance and sustainable development.
“Creating a leadership centre devoted to the first executive governor of Osun State is therefore a well-deserved tribute to a blessed legacy. It is also a legacy project for the present and future generations to learn and embrace a culture of inclusive, consultative, and open leadership.
“I therefore commend the initiator of this project and a mentee of our late brother, Hon. Bamidele Salam. His consistent efforts to sustain the legacy of Senator Isiaka Adeleke are deeply appreciated by the entire Adeleke dynasty and all admirers of our late leader and brother.
“It is my expectation that the centre will run programmes of various dimensions on political leadership. The nation today needs more leaders equipped with skills in open governance, consensus building, public-spiritedness, and selfless public service. The centre under Adeleke University can serve as a valuable platform for imparting those skills.
“It is on this note that I commissioned 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, the lawmaker representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo federal constituency of Osun State, Rep. Bamidele Salam reflected on the eighth anniversary of Senator Adeleke’s passing.
According to him, “On a Sunday morning, my friend, Femi Adefila, and I were at church in Dada Estate when, suddenly, Femi 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 went 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 during his time with us.
“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 honour of Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.
“When we decided to create this Leadership Centre, I thought about what leadership truly means. And at the heart of 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 the lives of great leaders like Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, and others who embody this principle. And indeed, Otunba Isiaka Adeleke was one of those leaders who exemplified compassion.”
He continued, “This Leadership Centre is a way for us to preserve his legacies, his history, and the many things that might be forgotten over time. I recall a conversation I had many years ago with an important person in this community. He shared his concern about how Governor Adeleke transitioned into politics. Dr. Deji Adeleke, our father, told me that when Otunba Adeleke first wanted to enter politics, his initial ambition was to run for local government chairman.
“He approached his father, Senator Ayoola Adeleke, and announced his intention. To his father, this seemed almost laughable—Otunba Adeleke was too refined and too exposed to get involved in such local politics, especially after living for so many years in the United States. But, as time passed, Otunba Adeleke changed his mind and set his sights on running for governor of Oyo State.
“He went to his father again, this time with a bold plan to contest for the governorship, and once again, his father laughed at the idea. But Otunba Adeleke’s determination was unmatched. With unwavering commitment, dedication, and the full support of His Excellency Ademola Adeleke and the rest of his family, he threw himself into the race.
“And as history shows, the political campaign Otunba Adeleke ran in 1989, 1990, and 1991—before the creation of Osun State—was one of the most vibrant and flamboyant in the history of the old Oyo and Osun States.
“That kind of history is not something we can let fade into oblivion. It is something we must preserve. That’s why we are creating this Centre, so future generations can come, press a button, and learn about the journey of Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.
“In a time when so much of political history is being lost, we need this Centre to document his life, his work, and his legacy.
“This is a place where younger generations, even 30 years from now, can come and learn who Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke was and what he stood for.
“Otunba Adeleke was a man of extreme patience and tolerance, qualities that are essential in any great leader.
“The design of this Leadership Centre’s frontage is inspired by the traditional cap of Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, and inside, we have a library, a photo gallery, three offices, and a lecture hall that can accommodate up to 250 or 300 people.
“We also have a development plan for the next three to five years to ensure that systems and processes are put in place to sustain the vision and mission of this Leadership Centre.
“Lastly, I want to take a moment to commend the siblings, wife, and children of Otunba Isiaka Adetunji 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 records.”
