Davido’s Dad Is My Adviser Without A Portfolio” — Adeleke Reveals Special Role

Adeleke made the disclosure on Sunday during an appearance on Sunday Politics, where he also reflected on his childhood, his relationship with his siblings and the family values he believes have kept the Adeleke family closely connected.

The governor said the death of his father created a major void in his life, but added that seeing his elder brother often 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 explained that he frequently seeks his brother’s advice, particularly because of the experience and wisdom Adedeji has acquired through years of running businesses.

According to him, his brother’s guidance has proven valuable on several occasions.

“He is a father figure. How much do I listen to him? A lot, because God has really blessed him with wisdom,” the governor stated.

Recalling some of their experiences in business, Adeleke said his brother would sometimes advise him against investing in ventures he believed were unlikely to succeed.

However, Adeleke admitted that he initially ignored some of the warnings, only to discover later that his brother had been right.

He recalled occasions when he would present a business idea to his brother, who would assess it and advise him against proceeding.

Despite the warnings, Adeleke said he sometimes went ahead with the investments, only for them to fail as his brother had predicted.

The governor attributed his earlier reluctance to accept the advice to his stubbornness at the time.

“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.

Adeleke explained that as he grew older, he began paying closer attention to his brother’s business approach and gradually developed greater appreciation for his judgement.

It was from this experience, he said, that he eventually began referring to Adedeji as his “adviser without a portfolio.”

Speaking about his other siblings, Adeleke said his elder sister also holds a special place in his life because of the way her character reminds him of their late mother.

“She sounds like my mum. She behaves like my mum,” he said, describing her as caring but firm.

The governor attributed the strong bond among the siblings to the values instilled in them by their parents.

He described his late father, who served as a senator during Nigeria’s Second Republic, as a highly educated politician and diplomat who travelled extensively and was exposed to different cultures.

Adeleke said the values inherited from their father, combined with their mother’s influence, played an important role in keeping the family united.

He also recalled an incident from his childhood when, as the youngest child, he was initially reluctant to share his possessions with his siblings, even though they were willing to share theirs with him.

According to him, his mother eventually corrected the behaviour and taught him the importance of generosity and mutual support.

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

Addressing suggestions by political opponents that the Adeleke family’s influence in Osun politics amounts to the creation of a political dynasty, the governor dismissed the claim.

He argued that the family’s political prominence was largely a result of how the public perceived and responded to them, rather than something imposed on voters.

“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.

Adeleke suggested that the close relationship among family members had also contributed to the public interest surrounding the Adeleke family.

“We are so close,” he said.

When asked about the contribution of his siblings to his political journey and electoral success, the governor acknowledged that their support had been substantial.

“A big time. A lot of impact,” Adeleke said.