Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
OSUN State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has described himself as “Imole the Bulldozer”, saying his victory in the 2026 governorship election was achieved through God’s intervention despite alleged attempts to use federal might against him.
Adeleke made the remarks during an interview monitored by Stonix News on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme anchored by Ṣeun Okinbaloye.
The governor said he owed all the honour for his electoral victory to God, adding that his frequent public praise of God had previously attracted mockery from his critics.
“I am Imole the Bulldozer. When I enter a place, everybody knows I’ve come. I am Serubawon. They said they would use federal might to remove me. I told them I would use God’s might to defeat them, and God did it for me,” he said.
Adeleke, who showed his dancing steps before and after the interview, said his victory had reinforced his belief in the power of God, noting that those who mocked his worship could now see what God could accomplish.
“I owe all honour to God for my victory. That’s why I praise Him always. They mock me for praising Him, but now they can see what God can do for a man like me,” he added.
The governor said his priority in his second term would be to leave a lasting legacy by transforming Osun into an industrial hub.
He disclosed plans to establish a free trade zone and complete the state’s airport, saying his ambition was to make Osun a reference point for development.
Adeleke also defended his performance in his first term, saying he was initially underestimated because of his reputation for dancing.
“When I entered the first term, people underrated me because of my dancing skills. What APC could not achieve in 12 years, I achieved in three and a half years,” he said.
According to him, the electorate rewarded his administration with another mandate because of the impact of his government.
He said his accessibility, relationship with the people and commitment to governance had contributed to his popularity.
“The people said thank you to me by giving me another chance to serve them. I give them joy. I am free with everybody. I love my people and I love them back. The love for me is organic,” he said.
Adeleke also attributed his political success partly to the unity within the Adeleke family, describing his elder brother as his “mentor without portfolio”.
He rejected the suggestion of the Adeleke domiimance in Osun politics created by the Adeleke political dynasty, saying the people of Osun State were responsible for its emergence.
“I am not the one that made the Adeleke dynasty. Osun people made the Adeleke dynasty,” he said.
The governor further spoke about his campaign and development projects across the state, saying his developmental strides cut across all local government areas on the septuagenarian state.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Bodtk7R1z/
He claimed that his administration had executed numerous road projects in Osogbo and touched roads across the state’s local government areas.
Adeleke said he personally monitored projects rather than remaining in his office, adding that he would not engage incompetent contractors to execute government projects.
“I am not a governor that sits in the office. I go around. I don’t hire people who are incompetent to carry out my projects,” he said.
The governor, however, expressed regret that limited funds had prevented his administration from completing more projects.
“I wish I had more money to fix more projects,” he said.
Adeleke also extended what he described as a hand of fellowship to the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, saying he was willing to work with him and others for the development of Osun State.
On national politics, Adeleke declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for the 2027 presidential election, saying he would support the President despite belonging to the opposition.
“I will support Tinubu in 2027. I will not mind to work with Oyebamiji and others to support Tinubu,” he said.
The governor, however, ruled out the possibility of returning to the APC, where he previously belonged.
“I am not thinking of going back to APC. It is not in my agenda to go back. I am putting all the politickings behind me,” he said.
Adeleke also expressed support for President Tinubu’s administration, saying the President had performed well but might not be aware of actions allegedly being carried out in his name.
“Mr President has done well. Tinubu doesn’t know about what some people are doing on his behalf,” he said.
He further alleged that the distractions directed at his administration were orchestrated by former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola and his co-travellers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0jpYoLKV_E
