By Abiola Olawale
In a surprising manner, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday, urged Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to continue dancing despite people calling him “the dancing governor”.
Obasanjo who spoke during the inauguration of a VIP lodge in the premises of the Osun State Government House, said people are only using the term “dancing governor” to downplay his numerous achievements in the state since becoming governor.
The former president also urged the governor to ignore his critics, adding that he should instead focus on his drive for infrastructural development in the state.
The former president, who declared himself as Adeleke’s dancing partner, also challenged the governor to unite the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) ahead of the forthcoming elections in the state and country at large.
He said: “Some people once despise you, calling you a mere dancer. In reply, I told them that it is only happy people that dance. From now on, you are my dancing partner.
“What I have heard and seen since three days that I have been here if anyone is doubting you, bring the person to your state to see for himself or herself. If you remember that at one time, I called you on the phone and I said ‘Don’t stop dancing’ but I added that, as you are dancing, ensure you are working.
“If I tell you that I don’t know what happened before you get to the government, I will be telling a lie. But you did something last week Sunday that I appreciate. You called the leaders of your party together. I am happy that you called them and brought them together. Senator Olu Alabi is here, ex-governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola is here and Fatai Akinbade is too.
“You should bring everyone on board. That is the best thing to do. I have talked to two out of the three of them. It is a good move, which is not only good for your party, but for the state and the country. You said government is a continuum; you also said you are working on all abandoned projects; may God crown your efforts.
“Anywhere our paths cross, we will dance and rejoice. If anybody wants to abuse us, they should go ahead. In project management, there is no end to it, you have to prioritise within priorities. I am happy that you are taking them one after the other. You have to be honest with your conscience, with the people and with your God. You have to be a man of character.”
Speaking earlier, Adeleke said his administration has completed some major capital projects, while work was also progressing on many others captured under his infrastructure plan.
The New Diplomat reports that Adeleke had been nicknamed “dancing governor” because of his love for dancing. The Governor had beeb captured on several videos dancing, which his opposition had used against him.
