By James Adamu
Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, launched a fierce counterattack on Tuesday against his critics, particularly Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, vowing that he is not intimidated by the opposition as the state prepares for Saturday’s governorship election.
Speaking during an Arise TV Town Hall interactive session, Adeleke responded directly to Okpebholo’s recent ‘dancing’ remarks, where the Edo governor had mocked him at an APC campaign rally. In a defiant tone, Adeleke described himself as a “bulldozer” and warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to test his resolve.
“I’m a bulldozer,” Adeleke declared. “Let them bring the 30-something governors. They are all my friends. They all call me later to say they’re just playing ooo.”
The governor dismissed the influence of his political rivals, emphasizing that their presence in Osun would not determine the outcome of the election since they are not eligible to vote. “They’re not the ones to vote. Some of them are well educated, not one Governor Okpebholo who came to my state. What type of name is that?” he queried .
Adeleke took specific issue with Okpebholo’s conduct during his visit to Osun, accusing the Edo governor of breaching protocol and lacking civility. “You came to my state and you didn’t have clearance from me. These people are not civilised,” Adeleke said .
He contrasted his own approach with that of his critics, presenting himself as a “civilised administrator” who respects state protocol . “I am a civilized administrator,” he reiterated, pointing to his past conduct while serving as Chairman of a governorship committee for the PDP two years ago. He recounted how he officially notified the state governor upon landing to support his candidate, a courtesy he claims visiting governors have failed to extend to him.
Adeleke’s remarks come amid intense political activities ahead of the August 15 election, where he is seeking re-election against the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The exchange follows a heated campaign rally on August 6, where Governor Okpebholo mocked Adeleke’s trademark dancing style. Okpebholo had told APC supporters: “Before somebody signs paper, he will dance. Are you not tired? For four years, this man has been dancing. Before he takes breakfast, before he drinks tea, he will dance.”
Okpebholo had also urged Osun voters to reject Adeleke, linking him to former Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki and stating, “We kicked Obaseki out of Edo. So, we have to kick his friend out of this place too.”
Governor Adeleke, however, remains unfazed, maintaining that his record of performance will speak for itself on election day.
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