For Gov Adeleke, It’s Not Dancing Time

Politics and drama tend to go hand in hand. In Osun State, this interplay often accompanies the governor, Ademola Adeleke. Before he ascended the gubernatorial throne, he was in the eye of the storm multiple times. Now, having reached this height, he is still having to deal with all sorts of troubles, the most recent one taking place on a day of celebration.

Adeleke is currently having to deal with all kinds of sympathy-themed messages. The happy dancer is being his usual composed and chuffed self, but it is obvious that the recent incident took some of the wind out of his sail. For someone whose very presence reflects the bright and unyielding rays of sunshine, the episode had him frowning.

 It all started on Wednesday, June 28. Determined to join the prayers at the Osogbo central Eid ground for the Muslim celebration, the governor happened to arrive there just when a contest of rights and privilege was underway between former Senate spokesperson Senator Ajibola Basiru and people identifying themselves as being from the governor’s camp.

Specifically, Basiru arrived early at the Eid ground and sat in front. However, supposed Adeleke cronies asked him to relocate elsewhere as the place he occupied had been reserved for the governor. Basiru reportedly left the seat and moved some paces away, but was asked to leave the first row entirely, a request that he refused.

 The entire back-and-forth allegedly stirred the crowd, and many of them, appearing to be on the side of Adeleke, moved in to forcefully evict Senator Basiru from the front row. But they were not very successful as he is reported to have remained there throughout the prayers, only leaving after.

Conversely, it was Adeleke that was forced to leave the Eid ground long before the conclusion of the prayers. Clearly, the poor seating arrangements suggested that the powers that be in the area were not willing to give him face. Thus, Adeleke reserved whatever prestige he could still summon and left.

It became apparent to listening ears that all was still not perfect with Adeleke’s authority in Osun. For him, the Eid celebration is no longer an excuse to dance and jollificate.