I don’t entirely blame Senator Ademola Adeleke for his recent missteps. The man is clearly innocent of many of the criticisms he faces and was never cut out for the life he’s been forced to live since 2017, when he contested for the Senate seat after the demise of his elder brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke. He started his life without seeking controversy or public scrutiny, he simply wanted a modest, happy, fun-filled, and stress-free life. He just wanted to enjoy himself, and that’s the truth.
However, stepping into the Senate put him under the spotlight, transforming him into an elder statesman in Nigerian politics. Since then, his life has changed, whether for better or worse is debatable. He now lives a restricted and regimented life, which runs contrary to his natural disposition. As both a senator and now a governor, there are certain things he cannot do, or at least, cannot be seen doing.
I won’t dwell on his religious choices, but it is evident that the man can no longer pretend. His handlers and political ‘packagers’ should let him be. If he wants to practice Christianity, let him do so peacefully and proudly. Enough of the unnecessary drama. There is nothing wrong with a Christian-Christian ticket,after all, we currently have a Muslim-Muslim ticket at the Presidency. Religion is no longer the defining factor in leadership choices, especially in the Southwest.
Normally, a sitting governor who identifies as a Muslim but chooses not to perform the lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia or is absent at Eid prayers should not be a big deal. However, past inconsistencies have made this a contentious issue. Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola attended Eid as a Christian without denying his faith. Let Last Born practice the religion of his choice, he shouldn’t be forced into performing sujood (prostration) if it’s not part of his belief system.
Ultimately, Osun people will decide his fate next year, and it won’t be because he missed Eid prayers. They will assess his governance: the mass sacking of teachers without replacements, the neglect of the critical youth sector, and the use of mediocrity as a tool of governance. They will judge how charlatans have compromised the business of governance.
Let Last Born breathe. But let governance be taken seriously.
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