With the August 15, 2026 governorship election fast approaching, attention in Osun State is once again focused on Governor Ademola Adeleke as he seeks another mandate from the electorate.
Adeleke, who has been at the centre of Osun politics for several years, has had a political career marked by electoral victories, defeats, party changes and legal battles.
His rise to the governorship followed his entry into elective politics after the death of his elder brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who was also a former governor of Osun State.
From his years in the business world to his time in the National Assembly and eventual emergence as governor, Adeleke has remained one of the most prominent political figures in the state.
As voters prepare to choose their next governor, here are 15 things to know about Ademola Adeleke.
1. He is the incumbent governor of Osun State
Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke became Governor of Osun State on November 27, 2022, succeeding Gboyega Oyetola.
His victory followed a closely contested governorship election in July of that year.
2. He was born in Enugu State
Adeleke was born on May 13, 1960, in Enugu State.
Although his political career has been closely associated with Osun State, his place of birth was outside the state.
3. He comes from the prominent Adeleke family
Adeleke is a member of the influential Adeleke family.
His late elder brother, Isiaka Adeleke, served as governor of Osun State and later represented Osun West in the Senate.
His younger brother, Adedeji Adeleke, is a businessman and founder of Adeleke University.
Adeleke is also the uncle of Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.
4. He had a business career before politics
Politics was not Adeleke’s first major career path.
Before becoming a full-time politician, he was involved in business and administration and held executive positions in private companies in Nigeria and the United States.
5. He worked with Guinness Nigeria
Adeleke’s professional career included a period at Guinness Nigeria Plc.
He served as an Executive Director of the company between 1992 and 1999, according to biographical information about his career.
His professional experience also included roles outside Nigeria.
6. He worked in the United States
Before returning fully to Nigeria’s political scene, Adeleke spent part of his professional life in the United States.
He reportedly worked with Quicksilver Courier Company in Atlanta before becoming Vice President of Origin International LLC.
He later served as Group Executive Director of Pacific Holdings Limited.
7. He studied in Nigeria and the United States
Adeleke attended several schools in Nigeria before continuing his education in the United States.
His early education included Methodist Primary School in Lagos, Nawarudeen Primary School, Ikire, Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School in Ede and Ede Muslim Grammar School.
8. He studied Criminal Justice
Adeleke pursued higher education in the United States, studying Criminal Justice.
He attended Jacksonville State University and later obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Atlanta Metropolitan State College in 2021.
9. His entry into politics followed his brother’s death
Adeleke became more actively involved in elective politics following the death of his elder brother, Isiaka Adeleke, in 2017.
He subsequently contested the Osun West Senatorial District by-election and won the seat.
That victory marked the beginning of his career in Nigeria’s National Assembly.
10. He represented Osun West in the Senate
Adeleke served as the Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District between 2017 and 2019.
His time in the Senate helped establish him as a major political figure in Osun State.
11. He has contested elections under different parties
Adeleke’s political journey has included changes in political affiliation.
He was initially associated with the All Progressives Congress before joining the Peoples Democratic Party in 2017.
His political movement has continued to attract attention as he pursued elective office at different stages of his career.
12. He lost the 2018 Osun governorship election
Adeleke contested the 2018 Osun governorship election as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The election initially produced an inconclusive result, leading to a supplementary poll.
The eventual result went in favour of APC candidate Gboyega Oyetola.
The dispute over the election went through the courts before the Supreme Court ultimately upheld Oyetola’s victory.
13. He defeated Oyetola in 2022
Four years after the 2018 contest, Adeleke returned for another attempt at the Osun governorship.
In the July 16, 2022 election, he defeated the incumbent, Gboyega Oyetola.
Adeleke secured 402,979 votes against Oyetola’s 375,027 votes and won in 17 of the state’s 30 local government areas.
His victory brought him to the Osun State Government House.
14. He is contesting the 2026 governorship election under the Accord Party
Adeleke’s political journey took another turn ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.
According to the information provided, he left the PDP in December 2025 and subsequently joined the Accord Party, which is fielding him as its candidate for the August 15 election.
His candidacy places him at the centre of another closely watched governorship contest in the state.
15. He has faced legal battles over his academic credentials
Adeleke has also faced legal challenges relating to allegations concerning his educational credentials.
One of the cases involved claims that documents relating to his secondary school education had been forged.
The allegations were challenged in court, and the case was eventually dismissed by the Osogbo High Court after the court found that the claims had not been established.
Adeleke’s political journey continues
From the Senate to the Osun Government House, Adeleke’s political career has involved several twists and turns.
He has experienced electoral defeat and victory, changed political parties and faced legal challenges along the way.
Now, as Osun voters prepare to return to the polls on August 15, 2026, Adeleke is once again seeking the support of the electorate.
The outcome will determine whether he retains control of the state for another term or hands over to a new administration.
Fresh News will continue to provide updates on the Osun governorship election and other political developments ahead of the poll.
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