Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has defended his love for dancing, insisting that the pastime has no negative effect on his performance as governor and should not be used as a measure of his capacity to lead the state.
Adeleke made the remarks on Tuesday during the 2026 Governorship Election ARISE Town Hall meeting, where he responded to critics who have frequently mocked his public dancing. The governor maintained that his administration should be judged by its achievements rather than by his personal style or public appearances.
Addressing the audience, Adeleke said dancing is part of his personality and that he has no intention of abandoning it because of political criticism.
“And I tell you what, nobody, I repeat, nobody will stop me from dancing. As I’m dancing, I’m working,” the governor said.
He explained that enjoying music and dancing does not make him less committed to governance. According to him, he remains focused on the responsibilities of office while also allowing himself moments of relaxation.
Adeleke described himself as both prudent and serious-minded, stressing that effective leadership does not require a leader to appear gloomy at all times. He said there is an appropriate time for work and an appropriate time for leisure, and that he understands the distinction between the two.
“I am a very prudent person and a very serious person,” he said. “There is time for work and there is time for leisure.”
The governor suggested that some of the criticism directed at him was motivated by envy, joking that his critics were upset because they could not dance as well as he does.
“So they are jealous because they cannot dance. If they want, I will teach them how to dance. But that does not stop my work,” he added.
Beyond defending his personal lifestyle, Adeleke used the town hall meeting to address the political contest ahead of Saturday’s governorship election. He criticised his opponent, Oyebamiji, accusing him of refusing to accept political defeat and of using his connection with President Bola Tinubu to create unnecessary tension in Osun State.
“Just because I defeated you, go and sit down. This is democracy. It is what Osun people want. Osun people are the ones that will decide,” Adeleke said.
The governor also alleged that some of his supporters had been arrested in recent days. He accused his opponents of attempting to intimidate voters through the use of federal influence and security agencies, warning against actions that could undermine the democratic process.
“Why are you using federal might? To arrest? To intimidate? Osun people, and I know they are ready,” he said.
Adeleke expressed confidence that the people of Osun would support him for another term in office. He argued that the projects and programmes implemented by his administration had earned him widespread public support across the state.
“The work that I’ve done speaks for itself. Come this Saturday, I’ll be victorious,” he declared.
He also emphasised what he described as the strong emotional connection between himself and the people of the state, saying their affection and support continue to encourage him in office.
“My people love me,” the governor said.
The remarks came amid heightened political activities across Osun State as parties intensify campaigns ahead of the governorship election. Adeleke’s defence of his dancing habit has become one of the most talked-about aspects of his public image, with supporters portraying it as evidence of his accessibility and critics arguing that it diminishes the dignity of the office.
Despite the controversy, the governor insisted that his administration’s performance in infrastructure, welfare and other sectors should remain the central issue for voters as they prepare to choose their governor at the polls.
