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By Oscar Okhifo
Amid fresh controversy, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has again defended his love for dancing and singing in public, insisting that his personal style does not undermine his duties as governor.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, monitored by Pointblank news correspondent, Adeleke said his fondness for music and dance is part of his personality and has no impact on governance, urging the public to judge him by performance rather than personal expression.
“I will keep dancing. It does not affect my work. Governance should be about delivery and impact, not dancing,” the governor said.
The comments follow renewed public debate triggered by a viral video from the recent 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in Ile-Ife.
In the footage, Adeleke mounted the podium to give a speech but momentarily broke into song and dance.
The situation escalated when the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who had just received a traditional title, walked up to the podium and asked the governor to proceed with his speech, noting that the music was enough.
The interaction quickly went viral and ignited mixed reactions across social media.
While some Nigerians faulted the governor for what they described as a lack of decorum at a formal event, others criticised the First Lady’s intervention, describing it as unnecessary and humiliating to an elected official.
Reacting to the backlash, Adeleke maintained that his lifestyle should not be mistaken for incompetence.
“I am a human being. I express myself with music and culture, but that does not take anything away from my work. My record is there for everyone to see,” he added.
The governor’s penchant for dancing has long attracted public attention and controversy, even before he assumed office.
During the 2018 Osun governorship contest, a remark attributed to then Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, also stirred reactions when Adeleke lost the election.
Osinbajo was quoted as saying, “Some people thought they could just dance to Osun State Government House.”
The statement sparked intense debate at the time, with supporters of Adeleke accusing the former vice president of mocking his personality rather than engaging his political agenda.
Despite the criticisms, Adeleke won the 2022 governorship election and has remained consistent in defending his personal style as separate from governance.
His supporters argue that projects in road infrastructure, workers’ welfare and social intervention programmes show that the administration remains focused on delivery, even as critics insist that public image matters in leadership.
The latest episode has once again revived national debate on leadership image, personal expression and political perception, with analysts urging public office holders to strike a balance between individuality and the dignity of public office.