RismadarVoice Reporters
August 16, 2026
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has described his elder brother, Adedeji Adeleke, father of Nigerian music star Davido, as a father figure and trusted adviser whose counsel has influenced many of his decisions.
Adeleke stated this during an appearance on Sunday Politics, where he spoke about his family background, the influence of his siblings and the close relationship among members of the Adeleke family.
The governor said he still deeply misses his late father but sees him in his elder brother.
“I miss my dad big time. But when I see him, I see my dad. So, he is like a father figure to me,” Adeleke said.
He said he listens to his elder brother because of the wisdom he has acquired over the years, particularly from his experience in business.
“He is a father figure. How much do I listen to him? A lot, because God has really blessed him with wisdom,” he said.
According to him, he initially ignored some of the advice because of his stubbornness, only to later discover that his brother’s assessment was often correct.
“I was a bit stubborn. So, after some time, I said, ‘Wait a minute. I think I need to listen to my big brother,’” he said.
The governor said he subsequently began to appreciate his brother’s business acumen and started referring to him as his adviser.
“I started studying him. And as I got older, I would call him my adviser with a portfolio,” Adeleke added.
‘My sister sounds like my mother’
Adeleke also spoke warmly about his other siblings, describing his elder sister as a maternal figure who is loving but disciplined.
“She sounds like my mum. She behaves like my mum,” he said.
He attributed the strong bond among the Adeleke siblings to the values instilled in them by their parents.
The governor described his late father as a politician and diplomat who served as a senator during Nigeria’s Second Republic. He said his father was highly educated, well-travelled and civilised.
According to Adeleke, the combined influence of his parents helped foster the close relationship among the siblings.
Adeleke rejects ‘family dynasty’ claim
Asked about opposition claims that his administration and political influence amount to the creation of a family dynasty, Adeleke rejected the description.
He argued that the perception was created by the people themselves and could not be imposed on voters.
“I’m not the one that made it. It’s the people that watch us. They watch us, not me. This is democracy. Can we force them?” he said.
Adeleke said many people admire the Adeleke family because of the close relationship among its members.
He recalled that, as the youngest child, he was initially reluctant to share his belongings with his siblings, even though they were willing to share theirs with him.
The governor said his mother eventually taught him the importance of sharing and mutual support.
“She had to call me and say, ‘That is good. To share. Give and take, give and take,’” he recalled.
Adeleke also acknowledged the significant role played by his siblings in his political career and electoral success.
Asked how much impact his siblings had on his electoral victory, the governor replied:
“A big time. A lot of impact.”
