Former Osun State Governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has said he served as governor of Osun State for eight years without owning a personal house, describing the experience as evidence of his commitment to public service over personal wealth.
Aregbesola made the remark in a video that has circulated widely on social media, where he reflected on his time in office and responded to discussions about the lifestyle of public office holders.
According to the former governor, he did not own a private residence throughout his two-term administration in Osun State between 2010 and 2018, relying instead on official accommodation provided by the government.
“I governed Osun State for eight years without owning a house,” Aregbesola said in the viral video, adding that public office should not be viewed as an avenue for personal enrichment.
The former governor argued that integrity, accountability, and prudent management of public resources should remain central to leadership, stressing that elected officials should prioritize service to the people over the accumulation of personal assets.
Aregbesola, who later served as Nigeria’s Minister of Interior from 2019 to 2023, has on several occasions spoken about modest living and the need for ethical leadership in public office.
His latest comments have generated mixed reactions on social media. While some users praised the claim as a reflection of personal discipline and selflessness, others questioned whether the absence of a privately owned house should be regarded as a measure of good governance, with some calling for greater emphasis on policy outcomes and accountability.
The video has continued to attract public attention, reigniting conversations about transparency, personal wealth declarations, and the expectations Nigerians place on public officials.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no independent verification of Aregbesola’s claim regarding his personal property ownership during his tenure as governor. However, the statement reflects his account of his time in office and has become the subject of widespread public debate.
