Osogbo, Osun State — In a touching display of humility and deep-rooted Yoruba cultural values, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on Wednesday prostrated fully before his elder brother, billionaire businessman Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, to express profound appreciation for his unwavering support throughout his political journey, particularly during the just-concluded governorship election.
The heartwarming moment, captured in a video that has since gone viral, was shared on social media by media publisher and Ovation Magazine founder Dele Momodu.
In the footage, the re-elected governor is seen lying flat on the floor in the traditional dobale gesture of respect before Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, who is also the father of Afrobeats superstar Davido.
Governor Adeleke, who had just received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the August 15, 2026, election, thanked his elder brother for the immense support and pivotal role he played in securing a second term. He insisted that his big brother pray for him before he would rise from the floor.
Dr. Adedeji Adeleke obliged, removing his cap and offering heartfelt prayers for the governor and his administration as family members, associates, and well-wishers looked on. The Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, also joined the governor in prostrating, underscoring the collective sense of gratitude within the leadership team. The elder Adeleke extended his blessings to both the governor and his deputy.
The gesture comes days after INEC declared Adeleke the winner of the governorship poll. He polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 444,815 votes. Adeleke, running on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in previous contests and more recently associated with other platforms in reports, secured victory in a majority of the state’s local government areas.
This is not the first time the governor has publicly demonstrated such respect toward his elder brother. A similar emotional scene unfolded in 2022 when Adeleke, then governor-elect, prostrated before Dr. Adedeji Adeleke upon being declared winner of that year’s election. The governor has repeatedly described his elder brother as a father figure who assumed paternal responsibilities after the death of their father.
The latest video has drawn widespread praise across social media, with many Nigerians highlighting the enduring strength of Yoruba traditions of respect for elders, regardless of political or social status. Users described the act as a reflection of the Omoluabi ethos — character, integrity, and humility.
One X user noted: “One thing I love about Yoruba culture is how strongly we value respect for elders. You can hold the highest office and still dobale before an elder.” Others celebrated the close-knit bond within the Adeleke family, calling the moment a lesson in gratitude and cultural continuity.
Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, founder of Adeleke University and CEO of Pacific Holdings Limited, has long been a pillar of support for his younger brother’s political ambitions. In comments following the election, the elder Adeleke attributed the victory to divine intervention and answered prayers rather than financial influence.
The viral clip continues to circulate widely, reinforcing public admiration for Governor Adeleke’s humility at a time of personal and political triumph. As he prepares to commence his second term, the governor’s public expression of appreciation to his elder brother stands as a powerful reminder that power and position need not diminish traditional values of respect and family solidarity.
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