Secretary to the Osun State Government, Hon. Igbalaye Teslim has denied fomenting trouble and crisis at the Osogbo local government as alleged by Senator Ajibola Bashiru, describing the allegation as “defamatory and attempted character assassination”
In a statement issued today at Osogbo, Hon Igbalaye said contrary to Bashiru’s allegation, “I played leadership and mediatory roles yesterday to ensure that the confrontation between the two parties did not snowball into bloodshed.
“ Yesterday, when the confrontation reached a boiling point, I was invited to intervene. I took the APC chairmanship candidate, Saheed Onibonokuta, to the two Divisional Police officers and I urge both sides not to attempt to enter the secretariat.
“Onibonokuta and the two DPOs agreed with me. And that is how we saved our people of Osogbo from needless killings. All parties and security agencies appreciated my leadership roles. Where Bashiru got his wild falsehood is a puzzle.
“I commend the dedicated and professional DPOs of Oke Baale, SP Bodede David Femi, and CSP Ibrahim Sanusi of Iludun, both within Osogbo Local Government. They are true professionals who supported my peace drive”, the Bobagunwa of Osogboland narrated.
He rebuked Senator Bashiru for spreading deliberate lies and falsehood and affirmed that “as a high chief of Osogbo Land, I will never be part of the ignition of conflict in my dear homeland.
“As a top functionary of the State Government, I have a sacred duty to ensure peace in my local government in line with the peaceful nature and engagement policy of our dear Governor and my boss, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
“I also have a family heritage which I cherish so much. The Igbalayes are a reputable peace loving family. None of us including myself will engage in disruption of peace and unity of our great city”, the SSG noted.
He cautioned Senator Bashiru to amend his cantankerous political style and reform his penchant for falsehood as a political tool.
