Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday, urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, not to relent in his drive for infrastructural development in the state.
Obasanjo, who spoke at the inauguration of a VIP lodge, an edifice located within the premises of Osun State Government House in Osogbo, recalled a private conversation he had with Adeleke, when he advised him not to stop dancing but to work very hard to improve lives of the residents of the state.
The former president, who declared himself as Adeleke’s dancing partner, also challenged the governor to unite the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, implement good policies that would affect people positively and ensure proper documentation of all his achievements as governor.
Speaking in a mixture of Yoruba and English language, Obasanjo 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 there is anyone 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 that I don’t know what happened before you get to government, I will be telling a lie. But you did something last week Sunday that I appreciate. You called leaders of your party together. I am happy that you called them and bring them together. Senator Olu Alabi is here, ex-governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola is here and Fatai Akinbade 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 path cross, we will dance and rejoice. If anybody want 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 had completed some major capital projects, while work was also progressing on many others captured under his infrastructure plan.
According to him, the VIP Lodge would enable his administration to minimise the cost of hosting important personalities visiting the state, adding that with the completion of the project, a major milestone in cost efficiency had been achieved.
Adeleke, nicknamed dancing governor because of his love for dancing, took the oath of office as the sixth elected governor of Osun State on Sunday, November 27, 2022, following in the political trajectory of his late elder brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who was the first elected governor of the state.