Adeleke Defends Dancing, Says It Has Not Affected His Work

Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, has defended his penchant for dancing, insisting that the hobby has not affected his responsibilities or performance as governor.

Adeleke spoke on Tuesday during a town hall meeting organised by Arise TV for candidates contesting the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

The governor, who described himself as a “prudent worker,” said dancing was part of his personality and a hobby he enjoyed, adding that he had continued to work and deliver projects across the state.

“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 comments followed criticism from Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who recently mocked Adeleke at an APC campaign rally in Osun and urged voters to reject what he called the “dancing governor.”

Responding to his critics, Adeleke said those who were offended by his dancing should learn to dance, stressing that his hobby had no bearing on his effectiveness in office.

“If they can’t dance, I can teach them how to dance,” he said, adding that “dancing is a hobby” and that his people appreciated his personality.

Defending his administration’s record, Adeleke said his government had constructed and rehabilitated roads across the state and installed solar-powered streetlights on some of the roads to improve security and support economic activity.

He also said more than 200 primary healthcare facilities had been upgraded and rehabilitated, with the facilities equipped with electricity and clean water.

Adeleke is seeking re-election in Saturday’s governorship election after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party for the Accord Party. He is facing the APC candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, the African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, and other contenders.