Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has openly mocked his Osun State counterpart, Governor Ademola Adeleke, over his well-known love for dancing, describing it as a distraction from governance. The remarks were made on Thursday, August 6, during a political gathering in support of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
Okpebholo's Criticism of Adeleke's Dancing
Speaking at the rally, Okpebholo repeatedly ridiculed Adeleke's dancing, suggesting that it reflected poor leadership and took away from his responsibilities as governor. He questioned whether the people of Osun were not tired of having a governor who dances, noting that Adeleke has been dancing for four years.
“Before somebody signs paper, he will dance. Are you not tired? For four years, this man has been dancing. Before he takes breakfast, before he drinks tea, he will dance. That man is Obaseki’s friend. You know we kicked Obaseki out of Edo. So, we have to kick his friend out of this place too,” Okpebholo said.
Political Context and Election Ahead
The comments come at a critical time, with the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15. The APC is seeking to unseat the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government, and Okpebholo's remarks are part of a broader campaign strategy to discredit Adeleke's leadership.
Okpebholo also took aim at the financial influence of the opposition, alleging that they plan to use money to sway voters. He advised the crowd to accept any money offered by the opposition but to still vote for the APC candidate.
“A lot of people ‘chopped’ Obaseki’s money, but they never voted for him. If they bring money, ‘chop’ that money from them, but don’t vote for them. They said they have money to spend, is that not so? Just collect the money, keep it in your pocket,” he added.
Reactions and Implications
The video of Okpebholo's speech has been widely shared on social media, with many Nigerians reacting to the unusual political attack. The taunt underscores the heated nature of the upcoming election, as both parties ramp up their campaigns.
Governor Adeleke, known for his energetic dance moves at public events, has not yet responded to Okpebholo's comments. However, his supporters have defended his dancing, arguing that it reflects his vibrant personality and connection with the people.
As the election draws near, political observers are watching closely to see how these remarks will influence voters. The APC is hoping to capitalize on any perceived weaknesses of the current administration, while the PDP is expected to rally behind Adeleke's record and popularity.
