Who Is Dr. Gbola Adeleke
Dr. Gbola Adeleke is a globally recognized humanitarian, former Mayor of Dacorum, and one of today’s most compelling voices for dignity, equity, and the protection of women and children. His career bridges continents and sectors, from leading multinational operations to shaping public service and driving global advocacy. As Global Ambassador for AfrikLink and a senior leader within the Leaders Without Borders Development Centre, he continues to inspire action, elevate the vulnerable, and champion a more just and compassionate world.
From a Queen’s Table to Humanity’s Call
It was a single hand gesture, the silent international sign for help, that made Dr. Gbola Adeleke pause with a sudden awareness. The gesture spoke for every woman, girl, and vulnerable person whose suffering often hides behind quiet eyes and restrained voices. In that still moment, his mind returned to one of the most defining experiences of his life: sitting beside Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her final major public engagement in 2016. For many, sharing a table with a queen would be the height of achievement. For him, it reaffirmed a truth he had always lived by. Leadership is not measured by proximity to power but by one’s willingness to respond when humanity whispers, Help me. From that conviction, his mission grew stronger and his sense of purpose deepened to protect those who are too often unheard.
Roots of Purpose: Ibadan, Innocence, and Early Awakening
Long before mayoral duties, global ambassadorships, or humanitarian recognition, there was Ibadan, the historic and expansive market city of Oyo State, Nigeria. Born, bred, and raised within its lively communities, young Gbola grew up surrounded by the vibrancy, traditions, and richness that made Ibadan unique. He recalls nights spent under wide open skies studying the stars, days roaming green forests, and joyful moments picking mangoes, oranges, and bananas from trees that filled the landscape.
The people of Ibadan were unified by a deep pride and a shared sense of belonging, a cultural foundation that shaped Gbola’s earliest understanding of leadership and community. Yet his most cherished influence was his grandmother, his role model and the woman he admired deeply. Walking beside her to political rallies, he gained his first exposure to public service. Even as a child, he sensed that leadership was not about authority but about standing with people in their struggles and joys. When he emigrated to the United Kingdom in the 1970s, that early understanding of humanity and service traveled with him, ready to shape a remarkable journey ahead.
A Career Built Across Borders
Gbola began his professional path in the UK civil service within the Solicitor and High Court Division. The role trained him in governance, integrity, and procedural discipline. From there, his career expanded into the computer sector, the automotive industry, and eventually international business operations. As Managing Director and Group Secretary of the multinational Fairgate Group, he oversaw large-scale projects spanning the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and several countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Managing more than 2,000 employees, he demonstrated an ability to lead diverse teams, navigate complex environments, and create systems founded on accountability and cohesion.
Despite his success, there remained a quiet voice inside him calling him toward something more. His childhood experiences, his values, and his empathy for others gradually pulled him toward public service, where he felt he could create lasting change.
Answering the Call of Public Service
Motivated not by political ambition but by a commitment to fairness and justice, Gbola entered UK local politics. In 2003, he was elected Borough Councillor in Dacorum, Hertfordshire. Over the years, he served on critical committees dedicated to finance, housing, community development, prosperity, planning, health and safety, and local services. His leadership gained the trust of residents, and in 2014 he became Deputy Mayor, followed by Mayor in 2015.
During his mayoral year, he visited schools, engaged with charity leaders, spoke with emergency service teams, met with faith groups, and connected with residents across the borough. He believed leadership must be visible and approachable, and he ensured no group or community felt overlooked.
The Day He Sat Beside the Queen
In 2016, Dr. Adeleke hosted Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during what would become her final major public engagement. Sitting beside her at the high table, he experienced a moment filled with humility, history, and profound gratitude. Yet even then, he reminded himself that true honor does not come from sitting beside a queen but from standing beside the vulnerable. The experience strengthened his commitment to serve humanity with integrity and courage.
The Advocate: A Champion for the Voiceless
Across social platforms, Dr. Gbola uses his voice to spotlight injustice and protect those who cannot speak for themselves. His widely shared messages about police brutality emphasize that uniform is not a license to harm. His advocacy against child marriage highlights the lifelong trauma, inequality, and loss caused by this violation of human rights. His posts urging people to recognize the international sign for help are part of his mission to spread awareness and save lives.
These messages have become important touchstones for thousands of followers around the world. They are not mere statements. They are a call to action anchored in empathy and moral conviction.
The Humanitarian
His humanitarian leadership has been recognized through several awards, including the Mayor of Excellence in Women Empowerment Award, the Medal of Honour from the Asian-African Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Humanitarian Award from HAG, the Iconic British Business Leadership Award, and recognition among the 100 Global Influential Voices.
In addition to these honors, he serves as Global Ambassador and Envoy at AfrikLink, Executive Member of the Advisory Council at Leaders Without Borders Development Centre, board member of academies and nonprofits, and trustee of several community organizations. In each role, he works to connect people, open opportunities, promote fairness, and raise awareness on global issues affecting women, children, and the vulnerable.
The Philosopher of Humanity
His personal philosophy captures the essence of his life’s mission.
“I want to wake up each day with a promise to help someone in need and go to bed knowing I have made a positive difference in somebody’s life.”
For him, service is not a slogan. It is a discipline, a duty, and a way of life.
Vision for the Future: A Legacy of Light
Looking ahead, Dr. Gbola is committed to a world where children are protected, women live free from violence, leaders act with transparency, and opportunity is not determined by birthplace or background. He continues to expand his advocacy, mentor young people, strengthen humanitarian networks, and support organizations that uplift communities across continents.
His message to humanity remains simple yet powerful.
“Let me be the reason you smile. If by my act or deed I put a smile on somebody’s face, then my life is worth it.”
In these words lies the heart of his legacy, a legacy built not on titles or achievements but on compassion, courage, and the desire to leave people better than he found them.
Editorial Note
Dr. Gbola Adeleke’s story is a reminder that leadership begins with empathy and grows through action. His journey challenges each of us to look deeper, respond to silent cries, and protect those who need us most. It encourages us to build bridges instead of barriers and to choose compassion even in a world that often overlooks it. His life shows that one person, acting with conviction, can uplift communities, shape minds, challenge injustice, and inspire a generation to do good.
Let this story be more than a biography.
Let it be a mirror.
Let it be a call.
A call to live with courage.
A call to lead with compassion.
A call to build hope wherever we stand.
