Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed criticism of his penchant for dancing, insisting his celebrated public displays do not detract from his performance as chief executive.
Speaking on Tuesday at a television town hall meeting ahead of Saturday’s 15 August governorship election, the governor brushed off recent taunts from Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who urged Osun voters at an APC rally to reject the “dancing governor”.
While describing himself as a “prudent worker”, Adeleke rejected the notion that his personality hinders governance. “I dance because in my family, we are jolly good fellows. As I am dancing, I am working,” he told the audience.
“There is time for everything, there is time to dance, and there is time to work. Dancing does not stop me from working. I have delivered across all sectors.” He added lightheartedly that he would teach critics offended by his hobby how to dance.
Defending his administration’s track record, Adeleke pointed to extensive public works, including road construction and rehabilitation fitted with solar-powered streetlights to boost security and trade. He also highlighted the modernisation of more than 200 primary healthcare centres, which he said had been equipped with electricity, clean water, and upgraded to standards certified by qualified engineers.
Adeleke, who won office under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2022, is now seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord Party. He faces a contested field on Saturday, including All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and African Democratic Congress (ADC) flagbearer Najeem Salaam.