Former Ogun State Deputy Governor, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, has declared that he has no intention of pursuing another political position, saying he is gradually withdrawing from active public life.
Kaka made the disclosure in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, published on Sunday, November 15, 2026, while reflecting on his personal journey, family, career and years in government.
The former senator said he had reached a point in life where seeking political appointments or engaging in the struggle for public office no longer appealed to him.
Speaking about his childhood, Kaka revealed that his early years were marked by health challenges and family difficulties. He explained that his mother had lost three children shortly after childbirth before eventually giving birth to him.
He said the repeated losses had deeply affected his mother, who at one point left his father’s home before her father persuaded her to return.
Kaka disclosed that he also suffered from several illnesses as a child, forcing his family to seek different forms of treatment before he became strong enough to attend school.
On his educational background, he explained that his academic journey involved several setbacks, including having to repeat a primary school class after his father became dissatisfied with his continuous promotion on trial.
Although his father initially wanted him to attend Ijebu College, Kaka eventually persuaded him to allow him to enrol at Ijebu Muslim College.
He later gained admission to the University of Ibadan, where he studied Agriculture and specialised in Animal Science. He subsequently obtained another degree from the University of Lagos.
The former deputy governor said he had initially hoped to study Medicine but could not achieve that ambition because of his academic performance.
He also recalled losing his father in 1968 while he was still in secondary school, an experience that left his family struggling financially.
According to him, his uncle became instrumental to his education after taking an interest in his academic progress and providing financial assistance that enabled him to remain in school.
Kaka credited his mother and uncle with shaping his character, saying their commitment to discipline, hard work and education influenced the way he approached life.
He disclosed that politics was never his original career ambition. His journey into government began after working with Pfizer Livestock Feeds, before he was appointed a commissioner in Ogun State by the military administration.
During his time in public service, he occupied different positions, including Commissioner for Agriculture, Land and Housing, alternate Commissioner for Finance and Deputy Governor, with responsibility for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Reflecting on his political career, Kaka said he preferred honesty and firm principles, even when such qualities did not favour his political ambitions.
He recalled being advised by some elderly political associates to become less truthful to improve his chances of progressing in politics, but said he had no intention of changing his character.
Away from politics, the former senator revealed that farming had remained a major part of his life, having operated a poultry business for approximately 35 years.
He also disclosed that he had reduced his attendance at social events over the past decade, preferring to concentrate on his businesses and personal responsibilities.
Speaking about his family, Kaka said supporting his siblings and children had been among his biggest responsibilities.
He recalled a period when eight members of his family were in school at the same time, with his earnings from employment serving as their major source of support.
He expressed happiness over the achievements of his children and extended family, noting that several members had graduated from universities and entered different professions.
The former deputy governor also described himself as someone who values long-lasting friendships, although he prefers to distance himself from people whose behaviour conflicts with his principles.
On his experience in government, Kaka said he learnt the importance of respecting people while remaining firm in making decisions. He added that his priority throughout his time in office was to serve God and the people rather than simply please those who appointed him.
At this stage of his life, he said he was increasingly content with his achievements and had begun slowing down after years of public service and business activities.
Kaka maintained that political ambition should not become a lifelong struggle, particularly for people who have already spent years occupying public positions.
He said he preferred to leave the political stage when the time was right rather than continue seeking offices in old age.