The appointment of award-winning Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as Chairman of the Osun State Sports Trust Fund has sparked mixed reactions across the country.
Governor Ademola Adeleke announced the appointment earlier this week, describing it as part of his administration’s plan to reposition the state’s sports sector.
According to the governor, the initiative aims to attract private and corporate sponsorships, upgrade sports infrastructure, including the Osogbo Township Stadium, and establish a new Sports Commission.
In his statement, Governor Adeleke said Davido’s global influence and connection in the entertainment and corporate world would help “reignite sports enthusiasm among the youth and bring fresh investment to Osun State.”
Read Also: Davido could someday become Governor of Osun, Ben Murray-Bruce says
Public reactions
The announcement has since generated widespread debate on social media and within political circles.
Supporters have praised the move as a creative step toward rejuvenating sports in the state.
Many argue that Davido’s star power and international recognition could attract sponsors and partners that the state might otherwise struggle to secure.
A supporter on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“Ademola Adeleke……….. Governor
Adenike Adeleke………… Commissioner
Adetunji Adeleke………… Chairman LG service comm
Adeleke David…………. Head of Sport Trust Fund
Government of the family for the family of Ede…..Good governance indeed.
Osun State needs your prayer oo”. A. Ayofe wrote.
However, critics have voiced strong reservations, describing the appointment as another example of nepotism within Nigerian politics. Davido, who hails from Ede, Osun State, is Governor Adeleke’s nephew, a fact that has fueled concerns about family-based governance in the state.
Civil society groups and opposition figures have also weighed in, warning that appointments based on family ties risk eroding public confidence in governance.
Another commenter wrote:
Osun state as just be PRIVATIZED to a family business.
Ademola Adeleke – Governor of Osun State
Ademola Adeleke – Commissioner for Works
Adenike Folashade Adeleke – Commissioner for federal matters
Moruf Ademola Adeleke – Commissioner for budget & economic planning
Tunji Adeleke – Chairman Local Government commission
David Adeleke – Chairman Osun sport trust fund. Temitope Ayanbisi wrote.
While another commenter supported the appointment of Davido, Freshszn wrote:
“When you’re a true leader, people will see it! @davido is an example of a leader.
Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been appointed chairman of the Osun sport trust fund, a move aimed at raising funds to transform te state’s sport sector”
Pattern of family appointments raises broader questions
Across Nigeria, the growing trend of political leaders appointing family members to public offices has continued to stir controversy and raise concerns about nepotism and the erosion of meritocracy in governance.
In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s appointment of his nephew, music star David Adeleke (Davido), as Chairman of the Osun State Sports Trust Fund, follows earlier appointments of relatives, including his sister-in-law, Mrs. Adenike Adeleke, as Commissioner for Federal Matters, and his nephew, Tunji Adeleke Jnr., as Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission.
Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha similarly drew public criticism for naming his sister, Mrs. Ogechi Ololo, as Commissioner for “Happiness and Couples’ Fulfillment.”
At the federal level, President Bola Tinubu has also faced scrutiny for appointing his son-in-law, Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, as Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
Former governors in Delta State, James Ibori, Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Ifeanyi Okowa, have all been linked to the placement of their children or relatives in influential political and administrative positions.
While some of these appointees may have relevant qualifications or experience, critics argue that the optics of family-based postings undermine transparency, discourage competition, and stifle opportunities for qualified professionals outside ruling families.
Whether the move will translate into real progress or remain another political controversy remains to be seen.
For now, the appointment of Davido as Sports Chairman has once again placed Osun State and the Adeleke family firmly in the national spotlight.
