Olumide Lawal
The first Governor of Osun State, late Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, never throughout his political life used coercive force to realise his desires among his followers. Rather, he refined power and made it pleasant and motivational. His priority was collective goal achievement, instead of appropriating success in his various political offices to himself. Senator Adeleke made power, user-friendly and endearing.
The Asiwaju of Edeland, applied resources meaningfully and impactfully for the benefits of a greater number of people, thereby spreading joy around those he held power in trust for.
As January 15, 2021 marks his 66th post-humous birthday anniversary, Adeleke, even in death, remains a political jewel of inestimable value and a golden fish with no hiding place. His political adventure was a departure from what obtains today among power-wielders, who are obsessed with it for their personal selfish interest. Otunba Adeleke in his 63 years sojourn on earth expanded the coast of visionary leadership that enabled his political influence felt in Osun State and beyond the shores of Nigeria. His political structure is enduring and superbly intact.