Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has defended his public dancing, saying the hobby has not affected his performance in office as he seeks re-election in the August 15 governorship election.

Adeleke spoke on Tuesday at a town hall meeting organised by Arise TV for candidates contesting the election, where he described himself as a “prudent worker” and said dancing was simply part of his personality.

“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,” he said.

His comments followed criticism from Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who recently mocked him at an APC campaign rally in Osun and urged voters to reject what he called the “dancing governor.”

Responding to his critics, Adeleke said those uncomfortable with his dancing could learn the activity, insisting that it had no bearing on his responsibilities as governor.

“If they can’t dance, I can teach them how to dance,” he said, adding that dancing remained a hobby and that his constituents appreciated his personality.

The governor also defended his administration’s record, citing road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state. He said some of the roads had been fitted with solar-powered streetlights to improve security and support economic activity.

Adeleke further claimed that more than 200 primary healthcare facilities had been upgraded and rehabilitated, with improvements including access to electricity and clean water.

He is seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord Party after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, under which he won the 2022 election. He faces the APC candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, the African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, and other contenders in Saturday’s poll.