Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has again defended his well-known habit of dancing at public events, insisting that the pastime does not interfere with his duties or diminish his performance in office.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Arise TV Town Hall Meeting for candidates in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Adeleke rejected suggestions that his energetic dance displays signal a lack of seriousness about governance.
“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,” the governor said.
Adeleke, popularly known as the “dancing governor,” attributed some of the criticism from opponents, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to jealousy. “Those that can’t dance are jealous of me. In my family, we have music in our blood. Nobody will stop me from dancing,” he declared. He added that if his critics wanted, he could teach them how to dance, but stressed that the hobby had never prevented him from performing his responsibilities.
The governor described himself as a “prudent” and serious worker when in the office. “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,” he said. He maintained that dancing remains only a personal hobby that his people appreciate. “Dancing is a hobby. That does not affect my work. My people love me.”
The comments come amid heightened political campaigning ahead of the election, in which Adeleke is seeking a second term. His public dancing has long drawn mixed reactions, with opponents arguing it portrays a lack of seriousness, while supporters view it as part of his approachable personality.
In recent days, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo had mocked Adeleke’s frequent dancing during an APC campaign event in Osun, suggesting the Osun governor spent more time dancing than governing. Adeleke’s latest remarks appear to respond directly to such criticism.
Adeleke also used the town hall to highlight what he described as his administration’s achievements in road construction, healthcare, workers’ welfare and other sectors, urging the public to judge him by results rather than personal style.
The governor has repeatedly defended his dancing in the past, describing it as a way of praising God, relaxing and expressing joy rooted in his family background. He has insisted that the activity has never hindered his work as a senator or as governor.
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