‘Davido’s Dad Is My Adviser Without Portfolio’ — Adeleke

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has described his elder brother, Adedeji Adeleke, father of Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as a father figure and a trusted adviser whose wisdom continues to influence his decisions.

Adeleke made this known during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he spoke extensively about his family, the influence of his siblings and the close bond among the Adeleke children.

The governor said his relationship with his elder brother goes beyond their biological connection, noting that he regards him as a father figure because he reminds him of their late father.

“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 through 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,” the governor said.

Recounting their experience in business, Adeleke said his brother often warned him against ventures he considered unviable, although he initially ignored some of the advice.

“I would say, ‘Can we do this business?’ He would say, ‘Let me take a look at it.’ And he would tell me, ‘This one is not going to work.’ I would say, ‘Oh, you want to come through me? What’s going on here?’ I would go ahead and do it, and it would not work,” he recalled.

According to Adeleke, those experiences eventually made him realise the value of his brother’s counsel.

“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 paying closer attention to his brother’s business decisions and expertise.

“I started studying him. And as I got older, I would call him my adviser with a portfolio,” Adeleke added.

The Osun governor also spoke warmly about his other siblings, particularly his elder sister, whom he described as a mother figure.

“She sounds like my mum. She behaves like my mum,” Adeleke said, describing her as loving but disciplined.

He attributed the strong bond among the Adeleke siblings to the values instilled in them by their parents.

Adeleke described his late father as a politician and diplomat who served as a senator during Nigeria’s Second Republic. He also described him as highly educated, well-travelled and civilised.

According to the governor, the influence of both parents helped shape the relationship among the siblings and fostered the unity for which the family is known.

He recalled that, as the youngest child, he was sometimes reluctant to share his belongings with his siblings, despite their willingness to share theirs with him.

Adeleke said his mother eventually taught him the importance of sharing and mutual support.

“She had to call me and say, ‘That it is good to share. Give and take, give and take,’” he recalled.

The governor also addressed claims by opposition figures that the growing political influence of members of the Adeleke family amounts to a family dynasty.

Adeleke rejected the description, saying the perception was created by the people who observe the family’s close relationship.

“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.

According to him, the Adeleke family’s closeness has contributed to the perception, as many people admire the relationship among its members.

“We are so close,” he said.

The governor further acknowledged the significant role played by his siblings in his political journey and electoral successes.

Asked about the extent of their contribution to his political success, Adeleke responded: “A big time. A lot of impact.”