Osun State First Lady, Ngozi Adeleke, has defended her husband, Governor Ademola Adeleke, over his widely recognised reputation as Nigeria’s “Dancing Governor,” saying dancing has always been an important part of his personality.
Speaking in an interview, Ngozi said she has never been embarrassed by her husband’s love for dancing and believes the nickname accurately reflects the man she knew long before he entered politics.
“I feel good. My husband did not start dancing today; I got to meet him when he schooled in the US. They called him Jackson because of his dancing skills,” she said.
According to the First Lady, Adeleke’s passion for dance dates back to his younger years, long before he became involved in politics.
She recalled their traditional wedding ceremony as one of the occasions where his love for entertainment and dancing was particularly evident.
Ngozi said her husband danced from morning until the following day during their wedding celebration, describing the event as an unusually lively occasion.
She also recalled that Adeleke invited veteran musician Shina Peters to perform at the ceremony, turning the celebration into what she described as a carnival.
“I don’t think my village people have ever seen that type of wedding up till today. They still talk about it,” she said.
The First Lady also explained that she did not marry Adeleke as a politician. According to her, when they met, it was his elder brother who was involved in politics.
Her comments therefore suggest that Adeleke’s dancing should not be viewed simply as a political strategy or a public-relations tool developed after he became governor.
Ngozi also offered a glimpse into her husband’s personality away from politics, describing him as someone who rarely stays in a bad mood.
She said that when Adeleke is not dancing, he is often singing or praising God.
The First Lady further revealed that her husband was once a choir member and could both play the drums and sing.
“With him, no dull moment,” she said warmly.
Interestingly, Ngozi admitted that she is the only person in their household who cannot dance.
Adeleke’s dancing has become one of his most recognisable traits in Nigerian politics, with videos of the governor dancing at public events frequently attracting attention online.
While critics have sometimes questioned whether the dancing is appropriate for a governor, his wife maintains that it is simply part of who he has always been.
For Ngozi, the “Dancing Governor” label is therefore not something to be ashamed of, but a reflection of the personality she has known since before his political career began.
