According to a report by Daily Post, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, stated that he is the first governor in Nigeria’s history to complete two terms in office without owning a personal house.
The former Osun State governor made the remark while addressing his supporters in a video, where he reflected on his years in public office and spoke about his personal lifestyle during his time as governor.
Aregbesola, who was once a close political associate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before their political differences, said he did not acquire a private residence throughout his eight-year administration in Osun State.
According to him, despite occupying one of the highest political offices in the state, he continued to live in a house belonging to a friend instead of owning one himself.
He maintained that his claim could easily be verified and challenged anyone with contrary evidence to present it publicly.
He said, “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.”
Aregbesola used the statement to emphasize what he described as his modest way of life while serving in government.
His comments suggested that he did not use his position to accumulate personal property, insisting that his record remains open to public scrutiny.
The former Minister of Interior served in the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari after completing his tenure as governor of Osun State.
Before joining the Federal Executive Council, he governed Osun State for two consecutive terms, leading the state from 2010 to 2018.
During his period in office, Aregbesola introduced several programmes which he said were aimed at improving the welfare of residents and driving development across different sectors.
He consistently outlined a governance agenda that focused on tackling major social and economic challenges affecting the state.
Among the priorities he repeatedly highlighted were eliminating poverty, reducing hunger, creating employment opportunities, improving healthcare delivery, strengthening the education sector through functional learning, and promoting peace and progress within communities.
According to him, these objectives formed the foundation of his administration and guided many of the policies implemented during his years in office.
Now serving as the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Aregbesola remains an influential figure in Nigeria’s political space.
His recent comments about not owning a personal house while serving as governor have generated public attention, with many viewing the statement as a reflection of his personal values and approach to public service.
The former governor maintained that anyone who doubts his claim is free to present evidence of any house he owns, insisting that his record speaks for itself….See More