Former Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan, has stirred political debate in Osun State by alleging that billionaire businessman Deji Adeleke, rather than Governor Ademola Adeleke, is the true authority behind the state’s administration.
Adesiyan made the remarks during an interview on State Affairs with Edmund Obilo, where he openly questioned the independence of the current Osun government. According to him, Deji Adeleke—father of popular music star Davido—exerts overwhelming influence over political decisions in the state, effectively positioning himself as the power broker.
Speaking bluntly, Adesiyan dismissed the idea that Governor Ademola Adeleke is fully in charge of governance in Osun. He claimed that real control lies elsewhere. “Deji Adeleke is the governor. Who is Ademola Adeleke?” he said. “Can that one become governor? Deji is the one in charge.”
The former minister went further to argue that this level of influence is not a recent development. He traced it back to the period when the Adeleke family first rose to political prominence in the state, particularly during the tenure of the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, Deji Adeleke’s elder brother. Adesiyan noted that he served in government during that era and personally observed the businessman’s strong influence over political affairs at the time.
“I worked under his brother when he was in office,” Adesiyan said. “Even then, Deji Adeleke had significant influence over his senior brother’s administration.”
According to Adesiyan, Deji Adeleke’s dominance stems largely from his status as a powerful businessman. He described him as a committed capitalist whose financial strength gives him considerable leverage within Osun’s political structure. In his view, economic power has translated directly into political clout, allowing Adeleke to shape outcomes behind the scenes.
Amid these allegations, attention is also turning to the future of Osun politics. Reports indicate that Governor Ademola Adeleke is expected to seek a second term in the 2026 governorship election under the platform of the Accord Party. As the political season approaches, Adesiyan’s comments are likely to fuel further discussion about influence, leadership, and control within the state’s government.
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