A viral video circulating across social media has captured a moment of celebration by some residents of Osun State as a convoy reportedly linked to governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was seen leaving the state ahead of the governorship election.
In the footage, residents lining parts of the road could be heard chanting “Okpebholo Ole,” a Yoruba expression that translates to “Okpebholo thief,” while waving and reacting excitedly as the convoy passed.
The video has since generated widespread discussion online, further highlighting the charged political atmosphere surrounding the Osun governorship election.
Okpebholo’s comments fuel political debate
The reaction in the video appears connected to recent comments made by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, which drew significant attention during the campaign period.
Okpebholo had criticised the incumbent governor and Accord Party candidate, Ademola Adeleke, over his well-known dancing style, suggesting that the governor prioritised dancing before attending to official duties.
The remarks quickly became a talking point in political and entertainment circles, with supporters and critics debating whether Adeleke’s public image should be separated from his record in office.
Among those who reacted to Okpebholo’s comments was Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, who is Governor Adeleke’s nephew and one of the most vocal celebrity supporters of the governor’s re-election bid.
Davido responded on social media by sharing what he claimed was the Edo governor’s West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result, a move that further intensified the online exchange and drew mixed reactions from supporters of both political camps.
The latest viral video has now added another layer to the political drama unfolding in Osun, where campaigns have increasingly spilled beyond traditional political platforms into social media, entertainment and popular culture.
Politics, personalities and public sentiment
With the governorship election attracting national attention, political conversations in Osun have often extended beyond party manifestos to include personalities, symbolism and public perception.
Governor Adeleke’s dancing, which supporters describe as a reflection of his approachable personality, has become a defining part of his political identity, while critics have questioned whether it aligns with the seriousness of governance.
The reactions captured in the viral video suggest that, for many residents, these debates have become part of a larger contest over image, influence and political loyalty.
As Osun voters prepare to make their choice, the episode also underscores how modern Nigerian politics increasingly plays out not only at campaign grounds and polling units but also on social media, where moments can quickly become symbols in a highly competitive electoral battle.