Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to deepen his commitment to good governance and the welfare of the people, describing the governor’s mandate as a sacred trust that must be continually justified through performance.

Obasanjo delivered the charge during a surprise congratulatory visit to Adeleke’s residence in Ede. The former president, accompanied by close associate Oyewole Fasawe, arrived unannounced, catching the governor and his team off guard and turning the private home into a scene of celebration.

Witnesses said Adeleke, known for his exuberant public persona, broke into dance and songs of praise on sighting the elder statesman, framing the visit as both a personal blessing and a political endorsement. The governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, later confirmed that the meeting was informal but deeply symbolic for the new administration.

Obasanjo, addressing Adeleke in a brief but pointed remark, prayed for the success of the governor’s tenure and stressed that electoral victory was only the beginning of a longer journey of service. He urged Adeleke to focus on tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens and to ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt across urban and rural communities.

“Continue to deliver good governance. Continue to meet the needs of your people,” Obasanjo was quoted as saying, framing his message as both encouragement and admonition.

Adeleke, visibly moved by the visit, described it as an unexpected honour. He thanked God, the people of Osun, and political stakeholders who supported his emergence, pledging to remain accountable to the electorate.

The governor vowed not to betray the confidence reposed in him, promising to govern as “a loyal servant of the Osun people” and to uphold democratic values in policy and practice. He assured his guest that his administration would prioritise inclusive development, transparency, and responsiveness to public needs.

The Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, joined Adeleke in receiving the former president, underscoring the significance of the visit for the state’s political leadership. Observers see Obasanjo’s appearance in Ede as a signal of support for Adeleke’s government and a reminder that performance, rather than celebration, will ultimately define his legacy in Osun State.