Newly re-elected Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared himself a “Bulldozer” in the political arena, saying his victory in the August 15 governorship election demonstrated his ability to overcome political opposition.
Adeleke made the remarks on Sunday while speaking in an interview following his re-election, in which he also outlined his plans to transform Osun State from a predominantly civil service state into an industrial hub.
Explaining the “Bulldozer” nickname, Adeleke said some of his political opponents had underestimated his political strength.
“They were asking me a question: ‘All these 20 governors are here, and you are the only governor who doesn’t have anybody?’ I said, ‘You don’t know me. I’m a Bulldozer,’” he said.
The governor said the nickname reflected his political resilience and ability to overcome obstacles placed before him.
“Call me Bulldozer,” he declared.
The governor also dismissed criticism of his public dancing, saying it was merely a hobby he had enjoyed since childhood and had no bearing on his performance in office.
“My hobby is dancing. I love dancing, right from when I was little. So, that doesn’t disturb me from doing my job. My job speaks for itself,” Adeleke said.
He attributed his re-election to the confidence residents had developed in his administration after what he described as the fulfilment of promises made during the 2022 election.
According to him, voters who were uncertain about what his administration would deliver in 2022 had been convinced by his performance in office.
“If you elect me, I will do this, I will do that—and I did everything I promised. That’s why you saw the massive turnout and the support,” he said.
Adeleke said transforming Osun into an industrial state would be one of the major priorities of his second term.
“I’m tired of hearing people describe Osun as a civil service state. I want to make sure I move it into an industrial state where investors will come in,” he said.
He said the state’s free trade zone and industrialisation programme were already receiving attention, adding that Chinese and European investors were showing interest in the state.
The governor also pledged to complete and expand the state airport, describing the project as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and attract investors.
Adeleke said increasing development in Osun had already encouraged people who previously underestimated the state’s potential to return and explore investment opportunities.
The governor said he wanted his administration to leave behind a legacy that would make Osun a reference point for other states.
“I would like to be remembered as Governor Ademola Adeleke, a governor who left a legacy of making Osun State a reference point that other states can look up to,” he said.
Adeleke Calls for Peace After Election
Speaking on concerns over political tension and violence surrounding the election, Adeleke appealed to his supporters to avoid retaliation and maintain peace.
He said Osun had traditionally been a peaceful state but that political activities had heightened tensions.
“I told my people that they should not retaliate. I told my people not to touch their people. Just leave them alone,” he said.
The governor maintained that the people should be allowed to determine their political leaders through the democratic process.
Adeleke also attributed his electoral victory to God, saying he would continue to praise God despite criticism from some quarters.
“For this victory, I thank Almighty God. I keep saying I have a God who never fails. I praise Him all the time,” he said.
He recalled his 2022 victory, saying he believed the same God who gave him victory then had again delivered victory for him.
“He is the same God who gave me victory in 2022. He is the same God today and forever. And He did it again. So, I praise Him,” Adeleke said.
The governor also addressed investigations and invitations involving his associates by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), insisting that there was nothing to hide.
He said he had directed his lawyers and associates to honour EFCC invitations and answer questions put to them.
“All my lawyers should go there. We’ve got nothing to hide. We don’t have anything to hide,” he said.
Adeleke also argued that the President might not be aware of every action taken by government agencies, noting that President Bola Tinubu has numerous national and international responsibilities.
“Most of the time, the President doesn’t know. The President has a lot of foreign work and responsibilities to handle,” he said.
The governor described the repeated EFCC invitations as a distraction and expressed concern that references to the President’s name in such matters could create a wrong impression about his involvement.
He further questioned the rationale behind inviting a school president to the EFCC, asking whether the individual was a finance minister or accountant.
The governor’s comments came shortly after his re-election, as he began outlining his priorities for a second term while calling on his supporters to maintain peace and promising to pursue industrialisation and investment-driven development in Osun State.
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