IN Yoruba folklore and in our Nollywood classics, few family stories resonate as deeply as that of the proverbial Koleoso family in the popular film “Koleoso”. The film presented a household where members saw themselves as “one blood.” There was no space for backbiting, no room for selfish ambition, and no attempt by one member to pull another down. Every decision, every struggle, and every victory was approached as a collective responsibility.  That fictional ideal has found a near-perfect reflection in real life in the Adeleke family of Ede, Osun State. The story of the Adelekes is not just a story of political success. It is a story of unity, legacy, resilience, and the power of “one blood, one destiny.” The foundation was laid by late Pa Raji Adeleke, a respected community leader and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was a man who believed that leadership was about service. From him came Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, popularly and fondly called Serubawon. Isiaka Adeleke served as Senator and later became the first Executive Governor of Osun State. He was charismatic, accessible, and deeply loved by the people. His sudden death in 2017 created a vacuum, although the scenario surrounding his death still remains a misery, but it also cemented a legacy.

From that same house came Senator Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke, who first served as Senator representing Osun West. In 2022, he contested and won the Osun Governorship election. And in the most recent election, despite intense political pressure, he was re-elected for another four-year term. Three generations. Three major political offices. One surname. But more importantly, one spirit. What makes the Adeleke story compelling is not just the number of offices held, but how they have held them. There has been no public feud. No war of succession. No attempt by one brother to erase the legacy of the other.  This is where the Koleoso analogy becomes relevant. In the film, the strength of the Koleoso family came from their unity, the Patriarch of the proverbial Koleoso family is Mr Soliu Gbaolagade also known as Ogboluke and his second in command is Ibrahim Yekini also known as itele and the family have the likes of Kemi Apesin ,Yetunde Barnabas.

Outsiders could not defeat them because they refused to be divided from within. The Adelekes have mirrored this. Whether in mourning, in campaigns, or in governance, they have presented a united front. That unity has translated to political capital, goodwill, and ultimately, electoral victory. The Adeleke family starting from Late Senator Isiaka Adeleke,the billionaire business Mogul,Dr. Deji Adeleke, Chief Mrs Dupe Adeleke and to the number citizen of Osun State,His Excellency,Senator Ademola Adeleke and even the children,the likes of popular Afro singer David Adeleke (Davido),Sina Adeleke (B-Red) and host of others. The re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke was not just a win for the Accord Party. It was a lesson in political strategy, family values, and people-centered governance. Four key lessons stand out:

Politics in Nigeria is often a game of alliances, money, and power blocs. In the last Osun election cycle, there was a visible gang-up against Governor Ademola Adeleke. Heavyweight politicians, both within Osun and from outside the state, mobilized resources, media, and structures to unseat him.  But they underestimated one factor: unity.  The Adeleke family stood together. Accord Party leaders in Osun stood together. And most importantly, the people of Osun stood together. The result was a decisive victory that gave Governor Adeleke another four years to serve.  This teaches us that no amount of external pressure can destroy a house that is united from within. When leaders prioritize collective interest over personal ambition, they become invincible. Osun politicians, and indeed Nigerian politicians, must learn that division is the surest path to defeat. From Pa Raji to Serubawon to Governor Ademola, the Adeleke name has become synonymous with accessibility and service. Isiaka Adeleke was known as a “people’s governor” who could be reached by market women and students alike. Governor Ademola Adeleke has continued that tradition with his “Imole Agenda” – an agenda focused on light, infrastructure, workers’ welfare, education, and health. The people of Osun voted not just for a party, but for a brand of leadership they recognize. They voted for continuity of a legacy that puts people first. In an era where many politicians disappear after elections, the Adeleke model reminds us that service is the best political advertisement.

Many political families in Nigeria collapse after the death of the patriarch. Ambition tears them apart. But the Adelekes chose a different path.

They chose to protect the name, to honor the past, and to build for the future together. This is the Koleoso lesson: a family that fights in public becomes food for its enemies. A family that works in unity becomes an institution.  The implication for Osun is clear. Other political families – in Oshogbo, Ilesa, Iwo, Ikirun – can learn from this. Instead of destructive rivalry, they can build dynasties of service that will outlive individuals. This is how political stability is built. Because the Adeleke family speaks with one voice, they have been able to attract attention, goodwill, and development to Ede and to Osun as a whole. When the governor needs support, the family and loyalists rally. When the state needs federal attention, the unified front makes advocacy easier. Imagine if all the major stakeholders in Osun adopted this “collective fold” approach. The implementation of the state’s development plans would be smoother. Investors would have more confidence. Governance would be less distracted by internal wrangling. Governor Adeleke’s second term now presents an opportunity to deepen this. With the political mandate secured, the focus must shift fully to delivering on campaign promises and consolidating the gains of the first term.

Nigeria as a country is grappling with division – ethnic, religious, and political. The Osun example shows that unity is still possible. It shows that when people see themselves as “one blood” – children of the same land with a common destiny – they can overcome even the most coordinated opposition.

The Adeleke story also challenges the notion that politics must be a “do-or-die” affair. It shows that decency, humility, and connection with the grassroots can still win elections. Winning an election is one thing. Governing well for four years is another. The expectations on Governor Adeleke are now higher. Workers, students, traders, and traditional institutions will all be watching. The same unity that delivered victory must now be deployed for governance. The governor must resist the temptation of complacency. He must surround himself with competent hands and remain true to the “Imole” promise of lighting up Osun. The opposition also has a role. Democracy thrives on constructive criticism, not bitterness. Now that the election is over, all sons and daughters of Osun must rally for the development of the state.

The story of the Koleoso family was fiction meant to teach a moral lesson. The story of the Adeleke family is reality teaching the same lesson.  Despite the gang-up from heavyweight politicians within and outside the state, Ademola Adeleke still emerged as governor for another four years. That victory was not an accident. It was the product of unity, legacy, and the will of the people.

As Osun moves forward, the prayer is simple: May the spirit of “one blood, one destiny” continue to guide our leaders. May we put Osun first, above party, above ego, above self. For in unity lies progress. In division lies stagnation. And in service lies legacy. May God bless Osun State. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

•Onigbinde writes in via [email protected]