Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed criticism of his public dancing, insisting that his passion for the activity has never interfered with his responsibilities as governor.
Adeleke made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at a town hall meeting for candidates contesting the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
The governor, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord Party, described dancing as part of his personality and a hobby he has enjoyed for years. He maintained that his love for dancing should not be mistaken for a lack of seriousness or commitment to governance.
According to Adeleke, he has remained focused on his official responsibilities while enjoying his passion for dancing, stressing that recreation and governance could coexist without one undermining the other.
His comments came amid growing political criticism of his dancing, particularly from his opponents ahead of Saturday’s election.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, recently mocked Adeleke during an APC campaign rally in Osun State, portraying him as a governor more interested in dancing than governance.
Adeleke, however, brushed aside the criticism and urged voters to assess his administration based on its record rather than his personality or recreational activities.
The governor also highlighted what he described as some of the major achievements of his administration, particularly in road construction, healthcare and infrastructure.
He said his government had constructed and rehabilitated roads across the state, with solar-powered streetlights installed on some of the roads to improve security and boost economic activities.
In the health sector, Adeleke said his administration had upgraded and rehabilitated more than 200 primary healthcare facilities across Osun State.
He added that the renovated facilities had been equipped with electricity and clean water, while qualified engineers had certified the projects as meeting required standards.
Adeleke’s defence of his record comes as the August 15 governorship election draws closer, with his performance in office expected to be a major issue in the contest.
The governor won the 2022 governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party before defecting to the Accord Party, under which he is seeking re-election.
He faces the All Progressives Congress candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, among other contenders.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, the election is shaping up as a contest over Adeleke’s record, the credibility of his administration’s achievements and the competing visions presented by his challengers.
