Key Takeaways
- Governor Ademola Adeleke insists his dancing has no effect on his governance.
- He describes dancing as a hobby and says there is time for both work and recreation.
- Adeleke blames jealousy for criticism from members of the All Progressives Congress.
- He also attacked predecessor Gboyega Oyetola ahead of Saturday's governorship election.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed criticism of his dancing, insisting that his hobby has no impact on his ability to govern the state.
Speaking at the Arise Town Hall for Osun governorship candidates ahead of Saturday's election, Adeleke was asked directly whether his public displays of dancing had affected his administration. He gave a response that blended humor with a firm defense of his record.
"We are jolly good fellows and I will tell you, nobody can stop me from dancing. As I'm dancing, I'm working," Adeleke said.
"You need to see me when I am working. I can dance with you now, when you come to my office, I'm a very serious and prudent person. There's time for everything, there's time to dance, there's time to work."
The governor, who is seeking re-election, maintained that dancing belongs to a personal side of life, distinct from the responsibilities of his office. He described it as a hobby that does not interfere with his duties.
"Dancing is a hobby; it does not disturb or affect my work," he said.
A Political Target
Adeleke also used the town hall platform to strike back at his critics. He suggested that the criticism from members of the All Progressives Congress is rooted in jealousy.
"So, they are jealous because they don't know how to dance. If they want, I will teach them how to dance, but that does not stop me from my work," he said.
His remarks took an even sharper turn when he addressed his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola. Adeleke claimed the former governor remains stuck on the pain of his last electoral defeat.
"Gboyega Oyetola is still suffering from the pain of defeat because he is a cousin to Mr President. He has caused a lot of problems in Osun State," Adeleke said.
Context of the Election
Saturday's governorship election has put Osun State under the national spotlight. Adeleke is seeking another term, and the town hall was designed to let candidates answer questions on their plans and performance. But Adeleke's dancing became one of the most memorable exchanges of the event.
The episode highlights how personality and optics have become central to political messaging in Nigeria. Adeleke's approach appeared calculated to project confidence and relatability, even as his opponents point to more serious governance concerns.
For the governor, dancing is not just a pastime; it is part of his identity. His supporters often embrace the image of a leader who is both passionate and joyful. His critics, however, see it as a distraction from the issues facing the state.
Why This Matters
This debate is not really about dance steps. It reflects the broader challenge of how Nigerian voters weigh a leader's public personality against tangible performance in office. Adeleke's ability to frame his hobby as harmless may reassure his base, but it does not silence the question of whether he delivers on governance.