Adeleke’s Abuja Visit: A Painful Betrayal of the People Who Fought for Him

I never thought I would write this, but the events of the past few days have left me deeply disappointed.
I was shocked when I watched videos of Osun State Governor *Ademola Adeleke* and his nephew, Davido, meeting with President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in Abuja. But what truly broke my heart was seeing Governor Adeleke present his Certificate of Return to President Tinubu barely five days after winning re-election on August 15, 2026.

Let us not forget the facts. This is the same President Tinubu whose federal machinery was allegedly activated to work against Adeleke’s re-election. This is the same APC that fielded Bola Oyebamiji to unseat him. During the campaign, Governor Adeleke himself spoke out boldly. He condemned the violence being escalated in Osun and called out the ruling party’s interference. The APC even accused him of making seditious remarks against the President.

Now, the same man who stood before his people warning them about federal overreach is bowing before the very system he condemned. *If this is not the highest hypocrisy of our era, then what is?

*Some Context We Must Acknowledge*

It is important to be fair. Governor Adeleke had already signalled his support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election before the governorship poll — citing their shared Yoruba identity and regional interest. So this Abuja visit may not be a sudden U-turn. It may simply be the public confirmation of a relationship he had already chosen.

But here is the problem: timing matters. To rush to Abuja to present your victory certificate to the leader of the party that tried to remove you — while your supporters are still celebrating — is a slap in the face to everyone who stood by you. Whether planned or spontaneous, the message it sends is devastating.

*The Lives That Matter More Than Power*

The moral integrity of our leaders needs serious questioning. Their love for political power has become too much. Governor Adeleke did not seem to consider the innocent citizens who lost their lives or suffered injuries standing with him, insisting that the APC would not take Osun State.

In Osun, several people endured violence, intimidation, and fear because they believed in Adeleke’s mandate. Some paid the ultimate price. Now, their governor is smiling and shaking hands with the very people they resisted. It confirms what many feared: *for some politicians, the people are nothing more than tools to be used and discarded once power is secured.*

The present ruling class has no shame. They can sacrifice their principles, their loyalty, and even the memory of those who bled for them — all in exchange for money and political power.

*My Stand*
This is not about party politics. It is about conscience. If a leader cannot honour the sacrifices of those who put him in office, then he has already failed the most basic test of leadership.

Governor Adeleke, the videos from Abuja will outlast your tenure. The people of Osun — especially those who risked everything for you — are watching. And they will not forget.

*Otunba Ademola Akinnola*
*Public Affairs Commentator | Advocate for Good Governance*
📞 08067526682
Yomi Ogunleye Oluwayomi

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