Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has defended his love for dancing, insisting that his hobby does not interfere with his official duties or governance performance. Speaking at a town hall meeting organized by Arise News on Tuesday, August 11, for candidates contesting the upcoming August 15 governorship election, Adeleke said his critics are simply jealous because they cannot dance.
Governor's Response to Critics
“They are jealous of me because they cannot dance. I dance because in my family, we are jolly good fellows. As I am dancing, I am working. 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,” Adeleke said.
His defense follows recent public criticism from Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who mocked Adeleke at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally and urged Osun electorate to reject the “dancing governor.”
Context of the Criticism
The criticism came amid the heated campaign period ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15. Adeleke, who is seeking re-election under the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has been known for his energetic dance moves at public events, which have drawn both praise and mockery.
At the APC rally, Governor Okpebholo used Adeleke's dancing as a point of attack, suggesting that the governor's focus on dancing detracts from his responsibilities. However, Adeleke has consistently maintained that his dancing is part of his personality and does not affect his work.
Impact on Governance
Adeleke emphasized that his administration has delivered across all sectors, implying that his dancing has not hindered progress in Osun State. He reiterated that there is a time for everything, and his dancing is simply a way of expressing joy and camaraderie.
The town hall meeting, organized by Arise News, provided a platform for governorship candidates to present their plans to the electorate. Adeleke used the opportunity to address his critics directly and reassure voters of his commitment to governance.
As the election approaches, Adeleke's defense of his dancing is likely to remain a talking point, but he remains focused on his campaign and his record in office.
