Adeleke has another talent

Governor Ademola Adeleke has another talent beyond the dance floor…his ability to show humaneness to humanity. His show of mercy to a chicken thief, who was condemned to death, has redirected  focus on the bigger crooks in the society. Find out more in our Humour and Satire column!

Okay, I confess. Governor Ademola Adeleke once won me in a dance competition. I could practically feel the sweat dripping down my face as he shaku shaku’d me out of the game.  I prepared long and hard. With all my “ginger.” In fact, I thought I could outdo this Legwork King.  But, I came a distant second. No shame, though. That’s how it goes when you go up against the original dancing governor. In your dream!

Interestingly, the same man has won me again. Yes, he can out-dance anyone in his path. And now,  he just won my heart for real. With something even more impressive than his afrobeat moves. It’s not just about shaking the legs anymore. Believe it or yes, Adeleke has another talent!

Let’s break it down. Recently, Adeleke made a move that surprised many—including me. I thought he was only good at sweating and smiling on the dance floor. But that perception changed when Adeleke granted prerogative of mercy to Segun Olowookere. Here’s a man who was sentenced to death for… wait for it… stealing a chicken! Yes —a chicken.

Now, you might be thinking: “Ah! This guy was condemned to death for fowl?” I mean, come on! The way some people chop billions like suya, and Olowookere was supposed to die for stealing one tiny kitchen, sorry, chicken? Abeg, something isn’t adding up here.

Adeleke has another talent: Giving a second chance

Olowookere  was just a young guy, convicted at the age of 17, the story goes. In  2010. For a chicken. Meanwhile, some politicians who steal billions from our commonwealth are walking around like they’re untouchable. Some even have the audacity to smile for pictures while living in mansions bigger than your entire street. The few caught act drama with crutches in court and return home. To their 753 duplexes and billion dollars! But little Olowookere, at 17, got the death penalty for one fowl?

That’s where Adeleke’s mercy makes sense. This shows he has another talent — that of discernment. He doesn’t dance around with the truth. He knows that sometimes, mercy is more powerful than punishment. He’s got the kind of sense that we need more of in leadership: fairness, kindness, and most importantly, a big heart.

There are many Olowookeres about. Hundreds are in cells. Some in prisons. Scores are awaiting trial or execution, right now. Condemned for minor misdemeanours. What about the mass of walking copses – those condemned by government inhumane policies and political corruptions? All for, perhaps the minor mistake of (s)electing the wrong persons.

 Making the right call

In Nigeria, we often condemn thieves and spare robbers! We aide some robbers into officers and they nail the thieves for aspiring to be like them.  Olowookere wasn’t exactly going around hijacking planes or robbing banks. He took a chicken. And the system gave him death. Yet,  the same system winking at billionaires who pad their pockets with public funds. It slaps them on the wrist, sometimes  with an “Go and steal more” plea deals.  Just why?

That’s where Adeleke’s mercy hit the sweet spot. He knew that if justice were being served equally, then maybe those who rob Nigeria blind would have their own date with destiny. Not a kid who probably thought he could sell the chicken or eat for survival, not send himself to the grave.

I know, I know—some might say Olowookere deserved the death penalty. He should’ve thought twice before picking up that fowl. There’s even a version that was condemned for robbery. Okay, I can’t encourage stealing. Less robbery. But let’s face it: something is wrong when  those who steal millions and are treated like royalty. A guy who steals a chicken sent to the gallows is like killing an ant with a sledge hammer!

Here’s the most crazy part of all: Adeleke has another talent. It’s not just about dancing circles around his opponents—it’s about dancing to the rhythm of justice and knowing when to do the right thing. In this case, granting Olowookere mercy was the right call. A second chance, a lifeline, and a reminder to us all that the justice system should be a bit more, well, human.

The message

This isn’t just about one man, one chicken, and one death sentence. It’s the message: There’s always room for second chances. The system should not be skewed to keep condemning the lowly, while those high-ups get away with a lot.  By  offering mercy, Adeleke made a statement louder than his shaku shaku: “Don’t let the small crimes overshadow the big ones.”

Hey,  if Adeleke’s dance moves were enough to get him some fans, then this mercy move should earn him some  respect. He’s shown that he’s not just a man with fast feet, but a man with a kind heart and a sharp sense of justice. Adeleke dances to the beat of fairness. And honestly, with his mercy moves, many might follow the rhythm.

Yes, Adeleke has another talent that goes beyond the dance floor. Check out his ability to show humaneness to humanity. With the mercy to a chicken thief, we should start focusing on the bigger crooks in society. Stop letting them get away with it. Adeleke isn’t just shaking his legs, he’s shaking up Nigeria’s justice system — one compassionate move at a time.

Maybe next time I’ll get a chance to dance with him. On the same side of justice. Why? Becuase Adeleke’s  talent is the kind we all need right now – a heart that knows when to show mercy!