Former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has asserted that he holds a unique record in Nigerian political history: governing Osun State for two terms without owning a personal residential home in the state.
Speaking to supporters in a viral video, the former governor challenged critics to disprove his claim, explaining that he resided in a friend’s house throughout his eight-year tenure (2010–2018).
“Show Me the House I Own”
Addressing his political associates, Aregbesola emphasized his spartan lifestyle and personal choices during his administration, framing his disposition as a stance against official enrichment:
“I’m the first governor in Nigeria to rule a state for eight years without owning a house of my own. I stayed in my friend’s house for eight years as a governor in my father’s land. Whoever says that what I’m saying is not true should come out and show me the house I own.” — Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
Aregbesola previously noted that because the state government catered to his basic needs, security, and official clothing while in office, he saw no personal need to build or acquire private residential real estate in Osogbo during his term.
Key Takeaways
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ AREGBESOLA'S OSUN HOUSING CLAIM │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Tenure : Served as Governor of Osun State from 2010 │
│ to 2018. │
│ │
│ • Living Arrangement: Resided in a friend's private property rather │
│ than personal real estate. │
│ │
│ • Challenge to Public: Urges critics to produce proof of any personal │
│ residential property acquired in his name. │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(Sources: Public Video Declarations & Media Reports)
Political Context
The timing of Aregbesola’s statement coincides with active political alignments across Osun State and the wider South-West ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
Now serving in the executive leadership of the ADC following his exit from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the former governor’s public declarations highlight his modest governance style as his political faction consolidates opposition structures.
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
