By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Former Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan, has alleged that billionaire businessman Dr. Deji Adeleke, father of music star Davido, exercises decisive influence over the political affairs of Osun State, rather than Governor Ademola Adeleke himself.
Adesiyan made the claim during an interview on State Affairs with Edmund Obilo, where he argued that political power in Osun is shaped more by economic influence than by formal political authority.
According to him, Deji Adeleke plays a dominant behind-the-scenes role in the state’s governance and political decision-making.
“Deji Adeleke is the governor. Who is Ademola Adeleke? Can that one become governor? Deji is the one in charge,”
Adesiyan said during the interview.
The former minister further stated that the influence he attributes to Deji Adeleke did not begin with the current administration. He claimed it dates back to the period when the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, elder brother of the current governor, was in office.
“I served under his brother when he was in government. I knew the influence Deji wielded over his senior brother,” Adesiyan added.
Adesiyan also linked what he described as Deji Adeleke’s political influence to his economic power, arguing that wealth often translates into political leverage within Nigeria’s political system.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is expected to seek a second term in 2026 under the Accord Party, following his recent political realignment.
The remarks have since generated widespread reactions online, with mixed responses from Nigerians. While some social media users echoed Adesiyan’s view and described the Adeleke family as operating a coordinated political structure, others rejected the claim and defended the governor’s performance in office.
Several commentators also questioned the timing of Adesiyan’s remarks, asking why such allegations were not raised while he was serving in government.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Governor Ademola Adeleke nor Dr. Deji Adeleke has issued an official response to the claims. The comments have nevertheless reignited debate around political influence, elite power, and governance dynamics in Osun State.
Newspot Nigeria will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they emerge.
