09/06/2026
AEF MEDIA WORLDWIDE
REBUTTAL: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON FALSE CLAIMS AND DELIBERATE MISREPRESENTATIONS
My attention has been drawn to a series of misleading statements and false narratives being circulated by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Wale Egbedun, regarding my relationship with Governor Ademola Adeleke and my involvement in the political journey that led to the emergence of the current administration.
In the interest of truth, accountability, and historical accuracy, I consider it necessary to place the facts on record.
My First Meeting with Governor Ademola Adeleke
Around December 2017, myself and Mr. Jide Bewaji, Managing Director of Atlantis Events Centre and Hotel,osogbo, visited the National youth service corps in Ede to submit a request concerning postings of corpers to worj in our organisations.
After concluding our official assignment, Mr. Bewaji expressed his desire to pay a visit to Senator Ademola Adeleke. At the time, I informed him that I was politically aligned with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and was uncomfortable with the visit,he assured me there was nothing to worry about and suggested I could remain in the vehicle if I wished.
Upon arriving at Senator Adeleke's residence, I was warmly received alongside others present,Out of courtesy, I greeted everyone, and that was my very first encounter with Governor Ademola Adeleke, Mr Jide Bewaji introduced me to him on that occasion.
Therefore, any claim that Hon. Wale Egbedun introduced me to Governor Ademola Adeleke is completely false and should be disregarded.
Subsequent Political Engagements
In 2018, while I was on a short visit to London, Hon. Wole Oke contacted me and expressed his desire for me to work with Senator Ademola Adeleke. During our discussion, he initiated a video call with Senator Adeleke.
Between 2021 and 2022, several prominent PDP leaders, including the then PDP Chairman,Rev Bunmi Jenyo,Hon Ebenco and Senator Lere Oyewumi, repeatedly visited Kejebu villa numerous times to encourage me to support Governor Ademola Adeleke's political ambition.
Eventually, an appointment was arranged and I met Senator Adeleke. During that meeting, he personally introduced me to his ADC and informed me that I could always communicate through him if he wasn't available whenever necessary,Boda Demola also introduced me to key members of his political structure, including Yeye Dupe Adeleke-Sanni,Alhaji Akinleye and Dr. Deji Adeleke.
These events are verifiable and well documented.
My First Encounter with Hon Wale Egbedun
Contrary to the false impression being created, my first direct encounter with Wale Egbedun occurred sometime before June 2022 at zenith ATM on a sunday morning at Okefia,osogbo where he approached me, greeted me, and appealed for support for Gov Adeleke, acknowledging the impact and reach of my foundation.
At that point, we had never had any significant political or personal relationship.
Later, during the burial rites of the late Alaafin of Oyo, I was seated in the VIP section alongside the entourage of Governor Seyi Makinde. During the event, Wale Egbedun approached me and requested that I greet Governor Ademola Adeleke which i did after the event, Governor Adeleke asked whether I was returning to Osogbo, and Hon. Egbedun suggested I ride with him.
During that journey, Egbedun's vehicle developed a mechanical fault and had to be towed to a goverment reserved area project i was handling for the oyo state goverment,the vehicle stayed on my site for approximately one month and all security expenses footed by me before it was eventually retrieved. During that period, Egbedun informed me that he was financially constrained due to his political ambitions.
These facts further establish that our relationship began after my existing connection with Governor Adeleke and not before.
The GRA Development Project and the ₦30 Million Narrative
At no point in my life have I solicited or received ₦30 million from Governor Ademola Adeleke or the Adeleke family as personal assistance.
The truth is straightforward.
While discussing one of my privately funded development projects at GRA, Governor Adeleke expressed interest and encouraged me to submit a proposal for similar initiatives within Osun State.
I subsequently marketed the project to the Governor, Yeye Dupe Adeleke-Sanni, and Ajagunla if they would be interested as a developer,Of all those approached, only Ajagunla showed genuine interest. The project involved plots valued at ₦10 million each, which is how the figure of ₦30 million emerged because Ajagunla promised to pick three.
This was a business and development proposal, not a request for personal financial assistance.
My Contributions to the 2022 Election
During the 2022 electioneering process, I personally expended over ₦40 million on campaign materials, including branded shirts, face caps, billboards, mobilization efforts, and direct support for several candidates contesting for the House of Representatives, Senate, and House of Assembly positions.
These contributions were voluntary and made in support of a cause I believed in.
It is therefore both unfortunate and insulting for anyone to attempt to portray me as someone who depended on political handouts.
Issues with Yeye Dupe Adeleke-Sanni
My differences with Yeye Dupe Adeleke-Sanni arose from specific incidents relating to internal political engagements and disagreements regarding certain decisions and appointments.
One notable instance involved discussions surrounding the reinstatement of Engineer Okediya and others. Prior to the election, I had personally facilitated meetings between them and Governor Adeleke, during which assurances were given regarding their reinstatement after victory at the polls.
Subsequent events led to disagreements which eventually strained our relationship. However, these matters have no connection whatsoever to the false narratives currently being promoted.
Outstanding Contract Debt Owed Since 2015
It is important to remind the public that as of the end of 2015, substantial sums were owed to me through contracts executed by Aaraji Nigeria Limited on behalf of Hongye International Limited, a Chinese company, in Osun State.
At the prevailing exchange rate of approximately ₦168 to one US dollar, the outstanding value was estimated at nearly six million dollars or #1,020,000billion then which up till today has not been paid but promise was made by the incumbent government.
At today's exchange rate, the equivalent value exceeds ₦8 billion.
This is a legitimate commercial claim arising from executed contracts and has absolutely nothing to do with personal financial assistance from any political office holder.
My Philanthropic Investments
Despite these outstanding obligations, I have continued to invest heavily in humanitarian and community development initiatives.
Within the last three years alone, I have invested over ₦500 million in supporting vulnerable individuals and communities across Osun State through various intervention programs.
My record speaks for itself.
Final Position
This statement serves as my final public clarification on this matter.
I urge Hon. Wale Egbedun to focus on addressing legitimate public concerns, including questions surrounding the ongoing renovation of the Osun State House of Assembly Quarters, which remains incomplete after several years.
Public office holders owe citizens transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership—not distractions through false narratives.
Should these attacks continue, I reserve the right to provide further evidence, documents, receipts, communications, and verifiable records to support every claim contained in this statement.
The issue of police report on their findings and recommendation when this false was initially raised is also attached for your perusal.
Facts remain facts, regardless of who is uncomfortable with them.
Signed:
AARAJI
Through
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