Chief Ayoola Adeleke chats with Tony Dechant

The picture above is that of the High Chief Ayoola Adeleke, (the grandfather of the popular hip-hop star, Davido) in chat with Tony Dechant, United States Farmers Union President; The chief is often referred to as "the George Meany of Nigeria", December 18, 1967.

Chief Raji Ayoola Adeleke was a second republic senator and labour activist from Ẹdẹ who represented Osun Senatorial District 11 which comprises six Local Governments — Ẹdẹ, Oshogbo, Irepodun, Ifelodun, Odo Otin, Ila Orangun. Born into a lustrous family, his mother, Madam Adeboyin of OniIegogoro's compound was one of the most outstanding Iyalode (Head of market women) Ẹdẹ ever produced. She was said to be affluent, vibrant and effervescent.

Chief Raji Adeleke was born in his home town of Ẹdẹ on December 27, 1923, in Oluronbi's Compound. He was educated at St Peter's Primary School, Ẹdẹ, between 1935 and 1938, Ibadan Grammar School between 1939-1943, and then earned a registered nurse certificate from the medical department nursing school in 1947. He was an early member of the pioneer union of Nigerian Nurses in 1948.

In his lifetime he was the Vice President and Director of Organization, United Labour Congress of Nigeria, Federal Labour Advisory Council, and Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross, Ẹdẹ Branch.

In 1976, he was conferred with the title of Balogun of Ẹdẹland. He was married twice, his second wife, Mrs Nnena Esther Adeleke was from the Old Enugu state, he had five children including late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Alani Adeleke, who was the first civilian governor of Osun between 1992 - 1993, Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke, who represented Osun West Senatorial District between 2017 and 2019, Dr Adedeji Tajudeen Adeleke, Pro-Chancellor Adeleke University, Ẹdẹ and Chairman Pacific Holdings Nigeria Limited.

George Meany (1894-1980) was an American Labour Union leader. Chief Adeleke was a unionist himself hence the comparison.


Yoruba Blog
Photo: The Denver Post

Media and Publicity Committee