Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Wednesday commissioned Isiaka Adeleke Leadership Resource Centre donated to Adeleke University, by Honourable Bamidele Salam representing Ede North-Ede South-Egbedore-Ejigbo Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.
While speaking at the commissioning program, the Governor eulogizing his late elder brother, popularly known as ‘Serubawon’ noted that he upheld equality of man in private and public life, he demonstrated open inclusiveness as a political leader.
The President of Adeleke Dynasty added that throughout Isiaka Adeleke’s reign as a Governor, the target for his late brother was the delivery of democratic dividends and good governance to the good people of Osun.
He said, “as his man Friday when he was alive, my late brother was a leveler who detested discrimination in whatever forms. His artisan supporters are as important as his rich fans. When invited to local events, he wore the clothes selected for the event. To him, all men and women are created equal and differences based on class and riches are unacceptable.
“If late Senator Adeleke upheld equality of man in private and public life, he demonstrated open inclusiveness as a political leader. In private and public decisions, the late Governor ensured all stakeholders have a say. He adopted the Athenian model of democracy where all residents added inputs in the governance process.
“Another unique feature was his pro-people outlook. Decisions are taken from the viewpoints of the people. Throughout his reign as a Governor, the target for my late brother was the delivery of democratic dividends and good governance to the good people of Osun. He was completely soaked in his deep love for the citizenry as the primary goal of democracy.
“Aside from all the above, Senator Adeleke was a strong believer in building state infrastructure as a condition for state economic growth and development. He devoted the bulk of his time to creating critical institutions and agencies which were designed to jumpstart a strong state economy.
“A key ingredient of a strong leader is to inspire followers. Our late Excellency spreads optimism amidst governance challenges. His can-do spirit created a strong political followership. He mentored many new leaders who sustained the spirit of open governance and sustainable development.
“Creating a leadership centre devoted to the first executive governor of Osun state is therefore a well-deserved respect for a blessed memory of inspired leadership. It is also a legacy project for the present and future generations to learn and imbibe a culture of inclusive, consultative and open leadership.
“I therefore commend the initiator of this initiative and a mentee of our late brother, Hon Bamidele Sallam. His consistent striving to sustain the legacy of Senator Isiaka Adeleke is deeply appreciated by the entire Adeleke dynasty and all lovers of our late leader and brother.
“It is my expectation that the center will run programmes of various dimensions on political leadership. The nation today needs more leaders equipped with skills in open governance, consensus building, public spiritedness and selfless public service. The center under Adeleke University can serve as a veritable platform for imparting those skills.”
The initiator of the project, Hon Bamidele Salam in his speech noted that no matter the number of moments that you build in the name of the first civilian Governor of Osun State, it can never be enough especially considering the number of lives that he touched when he was alive.
He added that at the heart of leadership, is compassion adding that any person who lacks compassion can never be a good leader and if you’re looking for the definition of compassion, the first beautiful definition of compassion lies in the Prophet of old, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Holy Prophet Mohammed.
He said, “Osun State, Nigeria and humanity lost a great man, Osun state and Nigeria and humanity lost a man who symbolizes the true meaning of leadership, the man who was an embodiment of compassion and patience. A man who showed everyone around him what it meant to lead human beings, His Excellency Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. May God Almighty grant him eternal rest.
“For a man like that it’s not very usual to have too much of monuments because no matter the number of moments that you build in the name of the first civilian Governor of Osun State, it can never be enough especially considering the number of lives that he touched when he was alive.
“So as regards this leadership centre that we are commissioning today, is just a drop in the ocean, just a token to add to so many things that have come and will still come through different sources and different persons in honour of Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.
“I decided to make this a leadership centre, this thing came to my mind one of which was the person that we are honouring. Like I said, when we talk about leadership, at the heart of leadership, is compassion, any person who lacks compassion can never be a good leader and if you’re looking for the definition of compassion, the first beautiful definition of compassion lies in the Prophet of old, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Holy Prophet Mohammed.
“So if there’s anyone who took after them in this, Otunba Isiaka was number one of them
“Reasons we decided to build this leadership centre, one, to preserve his legacies, two to preserve his history, to preserve very many things as a result of time he lost.
“But as a result of his commitment and dedication, Including your support Your Excellency, and the support of the whole family, of today, there is no more flamboyant political campaign that can happen in the history of Osun state than the one that the Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke ran during his time
“This attributes of patience, Oga was extremely patience and tolerant, and obviously, you (Gov. Ademola) took after him. You’re so tolerant and patient
“We have a gallery and lecture hall theatre. We have a development plan for this leadership centre.”
The Isiaka Adeleke Leadership Resource Centre located within the main campus of Adeleke University is made up of a gallery, a lecture hall theatre, with a development plan to train students of the university about leadership.
Other dignitaries at the commissioning includes, Pro Chancellor of Adeleke University Dr Deji Adeleke, represented by Chief Mrs Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni; Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal; Chairman, Osun Local Government Service Commission and Son of the Late Serubawon, Tunji Adeleke; Commissioner for Federal Matters and wife of Late Serubawon, Mrs Nike Adeleke, Osun State Head of Service, Elder Ayanyele Aina amd several members of the State Executive Council and top Government Functionaries.
