In a heartwarming revelation that bridges cultural divides, Osun State First Lady, Ngozi Adeleke, has opened up about her life with Governor Ademola Adeleke. Fondly known nationwide as the “Dancing Governor,” Ademola Adeleke’s energetic and joyous persona is no political gimmick.
Speaking extensively on her life experiences, the Imo-born First Lady detailed her transition from a 23-year banking career to navigating the demands of political life. She also shed light on her husband’s legendary dancing skills and the deep-rooted connection the prominent Yoruba-native Adeleke family shares with the Igbo culture.
The Man Behind the “Dancing Governor” Tag
Addressing her husband’s famous reputation, Ngozi Adeleke expressed immense pride, noting that his love for dancing and music has been a lifelong trait. “My husband did not start dancing today. I got to meet with him when he schooled in the US. They called him Jackson because of his dancing skills,” she revealed.
Recalling their traditional wedding in her village, Ngozi noted that her husband joyfully danced from one morning straight into the next, accompanied by a carnival-like performance from veteran musician Shina Peters. Ironically, she joked that she is the only one in their household who doesn’t know how to dance. She noted that her husband is rarely angry or sick because he is always praising God, singing, or dancing, adding warmly, “With him, no dull moment!”.
The Adeleke Family’s South-East Connection
Many Nigerians have wondered about the Adeleke family’s notable affinity for marrying women from the South-East. Ngozi shed light on this, tracing the connection back to her late mother-in-law, Esther Nnenna Adeleke, who originally hailed from Abia State.
“My husband and siblings were all born and bred in Enugu; their father used to work at the military hospital in Enugu,” Ngozi explained. “They all speak Igbo like Igbo people… In Adeleke family, anywhere you find your happiness, go there. They don’t restrict their children whether boys or girls. For them, it’s a free world”.
Ngozi noted that moving into the Adeleke family showed her a home deeply rooted in giving, a philanthropic trait she said her husband actively practices through widespread scholarships and deep care for his workers.
From Banking to Philanthropy
Having schooled up to the Master’s level in the East, Ngozi first moved to the South-West as a youth corps member serving at the defunct Societe Generale Bank in Ibadan. She remained in the banking sector for nearly 23 years, eventually resigning in 2018 to fully support her husband’s rising political career.
Though she misses banking, the First Lady has happily channeled her energy into the Esther Adeleke Foundation, named affectionately after her late mother-in-law. The foundation was birthed from her personal struggles with conception early in her marriage, which led her to faithfully support motherless babies. Today, she actively steps in to pay hospital bills for stranded nursing mothers, provides startup funds to protect struggling women from postpartum depression, and sensitizes young girls on menstrual hygiene while distributing sanitary pads.
Embracing the “Owambe” Culture
Despite her proud Igbo roots, Ngozi has seamlessly integrated into the Yoruba Owambe party culture, which she admits to loving dearly. The women of Osun State embraced her even before her husband became governor, often surrounding her car to excitedly sing and dance for her.
Reflecting on her journey, Ngozi credits her father’s blessing of her good character for the success and peace of her marriage. Today, as the wife of a dancing governor, she continues to stand as a dedicated pillar of support, combining her passion for helping the downtrodden with the joyful, musical spirit of the Adeleke household.
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