The popular Osun businessman and philanthropist, Engr. Kehinde Raji popularly addressed as AARAJ, has declared that both the ex-Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the number one citizen of the state, Gboyega Oyetola are like father figures to him.
However, the Osogbo-born said he is not a politician but he’ll continue to appreciate them. Noting that God announced him in Osun State during the administration of former Governor, Ogbeni Aregbesola in 2012.
The Humanist said this on Thursday evening at his residence in Osogbo, Osun State capital during a programme tagged, “An Evening With Aaraj”. Focus on (The Challenge of political succession: Power tussles between predecessors and incumbent in Nigeria), in celebration of his birthday August 13th, 1972.
“Let me state here that Oyetola, Aregbesola are like father figures to me and I’ll continue to appreciate them. God announced me in Osun State during the administration of former Governor Aregbesola in 2012 and I want to say that for that, I’ll continue to appreciate him. Oyetola, while serving as Chief of Staff, helped me to get my hanging funds after over three months.”
He also said he is number one fan in the state is a PDP member, “I am not a politician and my number one fan is a PDP member and if he is ready to contest for any position today I will support him, I am a friend to everybody as you can see here in this gathering, we have APC, PDP, SDP and non politician residents”
He noted that he has no intention to join the political actors, stating that his work and gestures are geared towards uplifting his people in Osogbo, which according to him are “too poor”. And not bothered about the controversies surrounding his philanthropic gestures in the State, advising the aides of Governor Oyetola to be his best aide by telling him the truth.
The contractor said, “I have never got any contract from the Osun State government, whether past or present. I have never had any relationship with any of the state accountants whether present or past. The only things I do here are when someone has been awarded a contract but needs an expert to handle it for him. That’s only time I come in.
“I have no interest in politics. My people are too poor and my priority now is to uplift them to a level where they can get three square meals. This is my priority today not politics,” the Chief of Executive Officer of Aaraj Group said.
“I’m not bothered about the controversies surrounding my activities in the State. Whatever anyone says is his or her opinion. I don’t feel bothered and I believe the controversies will go down soon.” the celebrant Raji added.
One of the keynote speakers of the occasion; Comrade Wale Adebisi, who spoke on the theme of the event, “challenge of political succession: Power tussles between predecessors and incumbent in Nigeria” took the audience down the memory lane and explained what transpired during the military regime. He explained that the crisis facing the political space and political actors in Nigeria were creations of the ruling class.
Other panelists who delivered speech at the event are; Dr Lekan Ogunyemi of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree; Legal practitioner and immediate past Chairman of Osogbo chapter of Nigeria Bar Association, Ramon Okunade; Taiwo Thompson, a broadcast and among others.
Dignitaries who are present at the event includes; youths across the state, politicians from all political parties, human rights advocates, students, past beneficiaries of his empowerment programme, Aaraj.
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