Early Life and Education
Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, popularly known as “the dancing senator”, was born on 6th May 1960 in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. He hails from the influential Adeleke family of Ede. His late father, Senator Ayoola Adeleke, was a Second Republic senator, while his mother is Nnena Esther Adeleke.
Ademola Adeleke is the younger brother of the late business magnate and politician, Isiaka Adeleke, who was the first civilian governor of Osun State. He is also the uncle of internationally celebrated Nigerian singer David Adeleke (Davido).
He attended Methodist Primary School, Surulere, Lagos, before proceeding to Nawarudeen Grammar School, Ikire. For his tertiary education, he studied in the United States at Jacksonville State University, Alabama, where he majored in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science.
Career and Business Life
Before venturing into politics, Adeleke had a successful career in business. He worked with Quicksilver Courier Company, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, where he served as a service contractor from 1985 to 1989. He later joined Origin International LLC, Atlanta, as Vice President, a position he held until 1992.
On returning to Nigeria, he became involved in the family business empire, including Pacific Holdings Limited, where he served as an executive director.
Political Career
Ademola Adeleke’s entry into politics was greatly influenced by his late brother, Isiaka Adeleke. Following Isiaka’s sudden death in April 2017, Ademola contested for the vacant Osun West Senatorial District seat under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He won the by-election and became a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
As a senator (2017–2019), Adeleke became popular not only for his legislative contributions but also for his lively personality and love for dancing, which earned him the nickname “the dancing senator”.
In 2018, he contested the Osun State governorship election under the PDP. Although the election was declared in favor of Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a controversial rerun, Adeleke remained a strong political force.
In July 2022, Adeleke made a comeback and contested again for the governorship of Osun State under the PDP. He won the election, defeating incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola. On 27th November 2022, he was officially sworn in as the Governor of Osun State.
Personal Life
Ademola Adeleke is married and blessed with children, including B-Red (Nigerian musician) and Shina Rambo, also a music artist. He is a devoted family man, known for his jovial personality, approachable nature, and passion for entertainment and culture.
Net Worth and Influence
Governor Ademola Adeleke is considered one of the influential politicians in Nigeria, not only because of his political career but also due to his family’s business empire and international connections. His estimated net worth runs into millions of dollars, largely from business, politics, and family investments.
Legacy and Impact
Adeleke is admired for his resilience, charisma, and people-oriented leadership style. His story reflects determination and persistence in Nigerian politics. His governorship win in 2022 marked a significant turning point in Osun State’s political landscape.
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