By The Irewumi Dealers’ Association, a cooperative body of business owners headquartered in Ilobu, has publicly endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid, with its leadership citing what they described as a standout performance in office compared to previous administrations in the state.
Speaking at an endorsement event held in Ede today, the association’s president, Asimiyu Oyedele, said members had resolved to back Adeleke ahead of the August 15 governorship election in recognition of the impact of his administration’s work across Osun State. He charged every eligible voter to come out on election day and vote for the governor to secure a second term.
Asked by this reporter whether the association maintained any political affiliation, Oyedele denied any such ties. He described Irewumi as a self-funded cooperative structure in which members contribute a fixed sum every eight days into a shared pool, drawing on that pool to borrow money for personal projects, which include but are not limited to building houses, buying cars, and meeting other needs, with all capital sourced from members’ own earnings rather than external or political funding. He was emphatic that the association’s endorsement of Adeleke reflected the members’ independent assessment of his performance rather than any political entanglement.
The endorsement event was held at the country home of Alhaji Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, Osun’s first civilian governor and uncle to the incumbent, a location that itself carries symbolic weight for the Adeleke political family. Also in attendance was Hon. Lukman Afolabi, Executive Chairman of Ede South Local Government and a notable leader of the Accord Party, alongside other individuals whose names were not immediately available.
