OSOGBO, Nigeria — Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke defended his public dancing habits on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, stating that his personal hobby does not interfere with his official duties as he seeks a second term in office in the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Golden Info reports that Adeleke made the statements during a televised town hall meeting organized by Arise TV for candidates contesting the upcoming gubernatorial poll. Speaking at the event, the governor described himself as a “prudent worker” and rejected assertions that his public displays affect his performance in office, stating that he has successfully delivered infrastructure and development projects across multiple sectors.
The governor’s comments followed criticism from Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who urged Osun voters during an All Progressives Congress campaign rally to reject what he characterized as the “dancing governor.” Responding to the remarks, Adeleke noted that dancing is part of his personality and family tradition, adding that those who are offended by his hobby should learn how to dance themselves.
Outlining his administration’s accomplishments, Adeleke stated that his government has constructed and rehabilitated roads across the state and installed solar-powered streetlights to boost economic development and local security. He further stated that his administration has upgraded and rehabilitated over 200 primary healthcare facilities to global standards, ensuring they are equipped with functional electricity and clean water supplies, with project quality certified by qualified engineers.
Adeleke is seeking re-election under the Accord Party following his defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party, the platform on which he won the 2022 governorship election. In the upcoming August 15, 2026 election, Adeleke faces All Progressives Congress candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam, alongside candidates from other political parties.