The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has revealed why he went on self exile after he lost the 2018 gubernatorial election.
He said he ran into exile, to avoid the shenanigans who were after his life even after he had been rigged out of the election and to also complete his degree programme in order to put a stop to the insults over his controversial academic certificates.
The Governor said that “After a manipulated judicial process, I went on self-exile for two major reasons. Firstly, to escape the evil plot of enemies who were not satisfied with stealing the People’s mandate. Secondly, to complete my degree programmes especially as my educational qualifications dominated the 2018 campaigns.
“At my age then, I successfully re-enrolled and completed my degree programme. I am proud of that achievement and I thank my family and friends for their total support. I came back to re-contest in 2022 as a brand-new graduate. The rest is now history,” he stressed.
He spoke on Sunday at the Adeleke University convocation in Ede, Osun State, urging young people to stay focused on their goals in life, noting that the deciding factor in achieving one’s dream is determination.
Governor Adeleke wondered how many of them could sacrifice everything like he did to go back to school, narrating that he endured everything just to reach his current status as a governor in Nigeria.
Describing education as a tool to propel people to become whatever they want to become in life, Adeleke reminded the audience of how he went through challenges to be where he is today.
The convocation was holding on July 16, a date that marks one year that he won election as the governor of Osun State.
He said: “Today marks a year since my election as the governor of Osun State,” recalling that “four years before then, in 2018, I was rigged out and our mandate was stolen. I was subjected to the worst personality attacks and assaults in Osun political history.”
Governor Adeleke said the lesson from achieving his goal of becoming governor was that there should never be barrier to educational pursuit, noting that; “What we need is commitment and passion to succeed,” going on to remind the graduating students that “It is that passion and hard work that put these beautiful academic gowns on you today. So go out and conquer the world.
“Be a good ambassador of this university in all post-school activities. You are blessed already by these attainments. Sky is no longer your limit.”
The Governor congratulated the management and staff of the Adeleke university for keeping the flag flying, showering encomium on the Chancellor of the school, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke for his vision and dedication, going on the add that “Ditto for my workaholic sister and mother, Chief (Mrs) Yeye Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni.”