On July 17, 2022, American music star Chris Brown joined the wave of celebrations for Senator Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the Osun State gubernatorial election held on July 16, 2022. Adeleke, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, secured 403,371 votes, defeating incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 375,027 votes, as announced by INEC’s returning officer, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe. Brown, a close friend of Adeleke’s nephew, Nigerian pop star Davido, posted a photo of Adeleke on his Instagram Story with emojis including ????????????????❤️, signaling strength, prayers, and support, as reported by Vanguard News and Pulse Nigeria.
A Bond Through Music and Friendship
Brown’s gesture was rooted in his long-standing friendship with Davido, who actively campaigned for his uncle. The duo has collaborated on hits like “Blow My Mind” (2019), “Shopping Spree” (2020), “Lower Body” (2019), and “Nobody Has to Know” (2022) from Brown’s Breezy (Deluxe) album. Their camaraderie, often showcased in public appearances, added a personal touch to Brown’s congratulatory post. Davido’s vocal support, including his Twitter plea to INEC for the Certificate of Return—issued on July 20, 2022—amplified the victory’s significance. X users celebrated the gesture, with posts like, “Chris Brown showing love to Adeleke via Davido’s connect is huge for Afrobeats!”
Context of the Victory
Adeleke, known as the “Dancing Senator,” won 17 of Osun’s 30 local government areas, a rematch of his 2018 loss to Oyetola after a controversial rerun. The 2022 election, praised for its peaceful conduct by observers like YIAGA Africa, marked a triumph for the Adeleke family, with Davido dedicating it to his late uncle, Senator Isiaka Adeleke. Brown’s post, as noted by Kanyi Daily News, was part of widespread congratulations from figures like President Muhammadu Buhari and Peter Obi, reflecting the election’s national resonance. However, Oyetola’s team planned to challenge the results at the Election Petitions Tribunal.
A Cultural and Political Moment
Brown’s endorsement underscored the global reach of Nigerian politics and Afrobeats’ cultural influence, with Davido’s star power bridging entertainment and governance. The post, though simple, sparked buzz on X, with fans noting, “Chris Brown posting Adeleke shows how Davido’s circle is global!” The victory, later upheld by the Supreme Court in May 2023, solidified Adeleke’s governorship, with Brown’s gesture remaining a highlight of the celebratory wave.
