Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has advised Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to maintain his dancing enthusiasm while concentrating on carrying out important infrastructure projects in the state.
Obasanjo, who spoke at the opening of a VIP lodge situated within the grounds of Osun State Government House in Osogbo, remembered a private discussion he had with Adeleke where he counselled him not to stop dancing, but to put in a lot of effort to enhance the lives of the residents of the state.
The former president, who declared himself as Adeleke’s dancing partner, also urged the governor to unify the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, implement beneficial initiatives that would positively impact people and ensure proper documentation of all his achievements as governor.
In a blend of Yoruba and English, Obasanjo said, 'Some people once looked down on you, labeling you as just a dancer. In response, I told them that only happy people tend to dance. From now on, you are my dancing partner'.
'What I have heard and seen since the three days that I have been here…If anyone doubts you, bring them to your state to see for themselves. If you recall, I called you on the phone and told you not to stop dancing, but I added that, while you are dancing, ensure you are also working'.
'If I say I don’t know what happened before you assumed office, I would be lying. But you did something last week Sunday that I admired. You brought together the leaders of your party. I am pleased that you united them and brought them together. Senator Olu Alabi is here, former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola is here, and Fatai Akinbade too'.
'You should bring everyone on board. That's the best thing to do. I have spoken to two out of three of them. It is a positive move, not just for your party but for the state and the country. You said that government is a continuum. You also said that you are working on all the neglected projects. May God crown your efforts'.
He added that he is pleased that Adeleke is delivering projects one after the other.
He encouraged the governor to be truthful to his conscience, the people, and to God.
'You have to be a man of integrity,' Obasanjo said.
Earlier, Adeleke mentioned that his administration has completed several major capital projects, while work was also underway on many others outlined in his infrastructure plan.
He stated that the VIP Lodge would allow his administration to reduce the cost of hosting important personalities visiting the state, noting that with the completion of the project, a significant achievement in cost efficiency has been attained.
Adeleke, known as the dancing governor, was sworn in as the 6th elected governor of Osun State on Sunday, November 27, 2022, following the political path of his late elder brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who was the first elected governor of the state.
