Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke was born on 15 January 1955 in Enugu, located in the Eastern Region of the former British Nigeria. Although he would later become deeply associated with Ede in Osun State, his early years were shaped by the movement of his family across regions during a period of national transformation. He began his education at Christ Church School in Enugu before moving west and completing his secondary education at Ogbomoso Grammar School in Oyo State, graduating in 1972.
Like many Nigerians seeking administrative and governance training in the early 1980s, Adeleke pursued higher education in the United States. He attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1983 and a Master of Public Administration in 1985. His academic background positioned him for a career in public service at a time when Nigeria was preparing for renewed democratic structures.
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Becoming Osun’s First Civilian Governor
Osun State was created in 1991, carved out of the old Oyo State. As the new state transitioned toward democratic governance in the Third Republic, Adeleke entered the political arena under the platform of the Social Democratic Party. In January 1992, he was sworn in as the first civilian Governor of Osun State.
His tenure, though brief, from January 1992 to November 1993, represented an important beginning for the newly created state. He worked within the short-lived democratic period to establish administrative foundations and respond to emerging developmental needs. His time in office, cut short by the return of military rule, still holds symbolic significance as it introduced civilian governance into the identity of the young state.
Political Influence After the Third Republic
Following the dissolution of civilian structures in 1993, Adeleke remained a respected figure in Osun and across Nigeria. He continued to participate in public service through various national assignments. During this period, he strengthened the political network in Ede and Osun West that later became closely associated with his name. His approachable manner and wide community acceptance contributed to the public identity that media reports often connected with the nickname Serubawon.
First Senate Term, 2007 to 2011
With Nigeria’s full return to democracy in 1999, the political landscape opened new opportunities for experienced leaders. Adeleke contested for legislative office and, in 2007, won election to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Representing Osun West under the People’s Democratic Party, he became part of national legislative debates, committee deliberations and constituency development discussions that shaped the late 2000s.
His first Senate term ended in 2011 after he lost his re-election bid to Mudasiru Oyetunde Hussein of the Action Congress of Nigeria. The election outcome reflected the broader political momentum of the South West region, where the ACN was gaining ground at the time.
Return to the Senate and Renewed Political Visibility
Adeleke returned to national office in 2015 when he reclaimed the Osun West Senate seat, this time as a member of the All Progressives Congress. The victory demonstrated both his resilience and the continued strength of the Adeleke political base. His return to the Senate also renewed discussions among political observers about his potential as a strong contender for the 2018 Osun governorship election. Although he did not publicly confirm his intention, his rising visibility made him a central figure in pre-election analyses and public expectations.
Passing and Official Findings
On 23 April 2017, Adeleke passed away in Osun State, a development that led to widespread public grief and extensive media attention. His funeral drew large crowds, including political leaders, traditional rulers, and many residents from across Osun West.
In response to conflicting public claims about the cause of death, the Osun State Government initiated a coroner’s inquest. After reviewing medical reports, witness testimonies, toxicology examinations and hospital records, the coroner ruled out poisoning. The official determination concluded that his death resulted from complications related to medications administered before he was taken to the hospital. The inquest placed the time of death between 9.30 in the morning and 10.15 in the morning. This state approved account remains the authoritative record of the circumstances surrounding his passing.
A Legacy That Outlived the Man
Adeleke’s political influence continued even after his death. The by-election that followed his passing was won by his younger brother, Ademola Adeleke, who later contested and won the Osun governorship election in 2022. The continuity of representation through his family highlights the enduring political capital and community trust built during Isiaka Adeleke’s decades of public engagement.
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Today, Adeleke’s legacy is viewed through multiple lenses. He marked the beginning of democratic governance in Osun as its first civilian governor. His two non consecutive Senate terms reflect adaptability and sustained public relevance across changing political platforms. Most notably, the strength of the Adeleke political family demonstrates how his network, reputation and approach to constituency relations helped establish one of the most influential dynasties in modern Osun politics.
Author’s Note
Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke’s life represents a significant chapter in Osun State’s democratic story. From his beginnings in Enugu to his formative years in Ede, he emerged as a pioneering figure during critical moments in Nigeria’s political evolution. His foundational leadership as Osun’s first civilian governor, his resilience in national politics, and the multi generational influence of his family all contribute to a legacy that remains deeply woven into the identity of the state. His journey illustrates how public service, community engagement and political continuity shape the long term narrative of a people and a place.
References
The Nation Newspaper, Exit of Serubawon
Osun State Government, Coroner findings
Premium Times Nigeria, Reports on Adeleke’s political trajectory
