By Kehinde Adeoye

The ascension of Hon. Teslim Igbalaye to the post of Secretary to the State Government of Osun did not come by chance, rather it was consequent of his long-standing achievement as a grassroot politician. Igbalaye needs no further introduction, he's a career politician whose sphere of influence extends beyond the pole of Osun politics.

Bibire, as fondly called by close relatives, friends, supporters and his colleagues in his party, has paid his dues and his hard work, commitment and resilience over the years has ultimately been rewarded.

This writer does not look to wallow in vain glory, but rather seeks to reveal the inept mischief propagated by noise makers and political jobbers who are apparently bereft of the reality. Public perception, they say, often masks reality and therefore misses the mark. Hence, it's imperative we set the record straight and dismiss any form of campaign that may misrepresent the man many of us have known as a fine gentle man given his exploits in Osun politics.

Hon. Teslim Igbalaye kicked off his political career from the grassroot. A terrain where basic political knowledge is mostly acquired. Like many politicians today, he's not an accidental politician who was merely gifted the various roles he has occupied till date, he's a career and intentional politician whose ideas and exploits have advanced the cause and welfare of his people. There is also no gain saying that he has long been involved in the development of his people, his immediate environment and the state at large.

Igbalaye stands on a tripod; experience, competence and character. He has been a major player in the politics of Osun for many years, making him one of the few veteran politicians left in the state who knows his onions.

To those who are oblivious of this man. Igbalaye has once served as the Osogbo Local Government Chairman under the former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. He governed as Chair between 2007 to 2010 where he undertook various progressive projects and clearly exemplified sterling leadership qualities.

Igbalaye was also the chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Osun and also took the position of the ALGON National treasurer. The epic victory of Govenor Ademola Adeleke at the 2022 gubernatorial polls ushered in a fresh challenge for Bibire. It was equally a breath of fresh air not only in the PDP fold, but also among Osun indigenes who had long ago yearned for a new government under the stewardship of Governor Adeleke.

Senator Adeleke was sworn in on sunday, the 27th of November, 2022 in a ceremony that threw the whole state into wild ecstasy. Subsequent to Adeleke's swearing-in, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye was appointed the Secretary to the State Government of the state. His appointment was received with joy and elation by many who believed it was a well deserved appointment for a man with an enviable track record. Ever since then, he has carried out his duties as SSG with an undiluted commitment and resilience.

Politics played in this part of the world is amoral and dirty. And Osun state politics is no exception. It is also safe to assume that some people are not comfortable with the growing reputation of Igbalaye hence the barrage of attacks launched at his person, his office and his principal.

The latest is the shocking claim of 'marginalization' of his office by the current captain of Osun state, Governor Adeleke. It came as a rude shock to hear in some quarters that Governor Adeleke is overriding the office of the SSG to the detriment of governance. Not only that there are untrue claims made against Igbalaye's principal about an impeding attempt to marginalize the Osogbo people in terms of developmental projects in the state. This is far from reality and it is politics taken too far. A rather disturbing report that misrepresented the reality. Govenor Adeleke has continually shown his love for the residents of Osogbo and the entire Osun people ever since he assumed office.

Hon. Teslim, on the 25th of June, 2023, had dismissed the report in a press statement released to the media by calling the report a "baseless attack". He maintained that Governor Adeleke has always treated Osogbo as his second home.

"I want to strongly reject the allegation as lacking any basis in truth or reality. Governor Ademola Adeleke has since assuming office treated Osogbo as his second home by attending to the infrastructural upgrade of the capital city from roads to water and light among others. Osogbo is receiving full gubernatorial attention for which our people are openly appreciative.", he responded.

Continuing, he said, "It is equally false to posit that my office has been relegated by a cabal. There is no cabal in the state government and I wonder where Mr Raji got his false narration from. I remain an ever busy SSG who is handling many high profile state tasks and whose office is functioning fully in line with best practices."

Despite this obvious evil machinations and attacks, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye remains committed to his primary duties. He refuses to be distracted by noise makers who only seek to deter him from functioning adequately and serving the Omolaubi people of Osun state. Bibire is above reproach.

Nice write up

Na wa oo. That him name carry ishon