Remembering Isiaka Adeleke, A Man Of Many Firsts—Olumide Lawal

This is to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the glorious transition of a citizen of the world, His Excellency, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke,  a man of many firsts.

The first executive governor of Osun state, the first Asiwaju of Edeland,  the first Chancellor of Adeleke University, Ede. 

 A true and purposeful leader of men and a fantastic boss, who abhors malice, grudge and hatred for fellow human beings, you gave me unfettered opportunities to serve you and I delivered on your briefs.

 Senator Isiaka Adeleke has no room for sycophants,  hypocrites,  bootlickers and backbiters.  He had them around him during his lifetime, but he related with them for their nuisance values  while keeping them at arm’s length.

 A statesman with a very large heart and a beautiful soul that is ready to forgive. My dear boss of all times, you thought us your foundation disciples; to serve humanity with all we have, expecting nothing in return.

Your elegance, doctrine of politics without bitterness remains the pillar of our strength as your first set of political followers. You showed humanity love and compassion. Senator Isiaka Adeleke was always ready to learn from the lowest of human. He did not tolerate gossips, but rather would open up people with small minds to state their case before whoever were their targets of misgivings.

 That is my boss for you. Senator Isiaka Adeleke, you deepened democracy in Osun nay Nigeria whilst you were on planet earth.

 A philanthropist of highest order you were. You gave so much asking for nothing in return. I am working on a book to chronicle your unparalleled political life journey. It is titled: THE ISIAKA ADELEKE I KNEW. It will be a compendium of your landmark speeches, lectures, interviews and publications. I still have treasured documents about you in my library.

This much I should be able to avail the reading public. We shared glorious times together. We agreed to disagree. And disagreed to agree all with a cause to give you selfless and dedicated professional services, which you always appreciated very fully. Humanity will forever remember  your patriotic contribution to their upliftment.

 Senator Isiaka Adeleke, I will forever adore and respect your knack to tolerate people of different persuasions without hurting their feelings. Osun will forever remember you as the great governor, who put the state on a sure footing.

Your younger brother ,Governor Ademola Adeleke is contributing tremendously and taking necessary steps  to make life more abundant for the people of the state.  It is God’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. Senator Isiaka Adeleke was a true friend in need, who was a friend indeed. I will forever cherish your kind heartedness.  You were a study in tolerance, endurance, humility and true love, for whoever had the privilege to meet you. I will forever cherish your fond memories.

 I hope a time will come for your family or associates to put in place what would be called ‘ ISIAKA ADELEKE POLITICAL MUSEUM’ to serve as a safe haven for your works and personal effects for generations yet unborn. Your intellectual properties with me in my library would also serve a good purpose for the Museum in question.

Senator Isiaka Adeleke, you are simply unforgettable.  Your memory is evergreen. Your laudable achievements unperishable.  Live on peacefully in the bosom of your Creator, Whom you served with reverence. May Aljanat Fridaus be your home. Good morning and goodnight, sir, my boss forever— Mr. Olumide Lawal , who served as late Isiaka Adeleke’s media aide during his governorship between 1992 and 1993 and played the same role until his death six years ago, writes from Ede, Osun state.