By Ayodele Quadri, Lagos Times Correspondent

OSOGBO, NIGERIA — Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has defended his well-known penchant for dancing, insisting that his public displays of joy and praise do not impair his administrative performance or governance responsibilities.

Speaking during a television town hall meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Governor Adeleke described himself as a “prudent worker” and rejected assertions from political rivals that his public dancing reflects a lack of seriousness.

Key Highlights

• Response to Criticism: The governor addressed recent criticism from Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who had mocked Adeleke during a campaign rally in Osun and urged residents to reject what he termed the “dancing governor”.

• Philosophy on Work and Hobbies: Adeleke stated that dancing is a personal hobby rooted in his family background and a way to express praise, adding that he maintains a clear boundary between leisure and executive duties.

• Defense of Performance Record: Pointing to administrative achievements, Adeleke cited ongoing infrastructure projects across Osun State—including road construction, rehabilitation projects, and solar-powered streetlighting systems aimed at boosting night commerce and security.

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│             GOVERNOR ADELEKE TOWN HALL STATEMENT MATRIX                │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Speaker            : Senator Ademola Adeleke (Governor, Osun State)  │
│ • Forum              : Arise News Governorship Town Hall               │
│ • Core Topic         : Public criticism regarding dancing & governance │
│                                                                        │
│ • Key Assertions     : • "As I am dancing, I am working"               │
│                        • Hobbies do not obstruct public delivery       │
│                        • Highlights road projects & solar lighting     │
│                                                                        │
│ • Political Context  : Responding to criticisms from political opponents│
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

“If They Can’t Dance, I Can Teach Them”

“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.” — Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State

“Dancing is a hobby. That does not affect my work. My people love me… If they can’t dance, I can teach them how to dance.” — Ademola Adeleke