Joseph Tegbe, a partner at KPMG and a leading governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2019 election, clocked 55 today. OYOINSIGHT.COM’s Publisher, Sikiru Akinola, spoke with him about growing up, career, politics and future aspirations. Excerpts.
What has been the driving force behind Joseph Tegbe?
Vision and Excellence. From my early years in life, I had always wanted to be the best in whatever I do. So I left secondary school as a national scholar. When I got into the university, I had a clear picture in my mind of exactly who I was going to be, what I was going to do, where I was going to go, and how I was going to get there. I told myself I had to graduate top of the class, and this I achieved and graduated with a first class honours; and forever grateful for God’s grace. Since I graduated and joined Arthur Andersen, now KPMG, excellence continues to be my guiding principle.
How was growing up like? Were you born with the proverbial silver spoon?
I come from a family of educated and very socially conscious people. My uncle was a well-known photographer and my father was an educated and well traveled bookseller, who rose to become General Manager in CMS Bookshops. He was transferred in 1955 from Amunigun, Ibadan branch to set up a new outlet in Oyo. He later retired and settled in Oyo to set up his own chain of bookshops; Josie & Sons Bookshops in Oyo, Iseyin and Shaki. My mother was a sewing mistress who rose to the pinnacle of her career to become the President of Women Tailoring Association in Oyo and its environs. My parents were respected and they contributed to the growth of their community. They were hardworking, instilled discipline in us, their children and were unwavering in providing the best education to their children and the children in the neighborhood. I wouldn’t say I had a silver spoon however I will say we were comfortable.
From OAU to KPMG How was the journey?
Like I mentioned earlier, it’s important to envision one’s future. Even though I had studied Civil Engineering and graduated with a first-class honours, I knew I wasn’t going to be limited to constructions. I wanted something more, and that’s why I joined Arthur Andersen, later transitioned KPMG, and have a career spanning over 3 decades ago.
My career has spanned, taxation, auditing, management consulting and technology. I currently lead the Advisory services with scope of work covering both the West Africa and Africa.
When exactly did you decide to join politics?
Over the last 20 years, I have been privileged to work with governments across Africa on issues around technology, revenue enhancement and institutional strengthening. As such, I have always been in public administration in the current democratic dispensation but as a technocrat. In late 2017, my close friends engaged me on the need to practically impact our society positively with the experience garnered across Africa. In 2018, as you already know I campaigned for the position of the Governor of Oyo State.
You recently became Mogaji of your compound. Did you accept the title to shut up those who say you aren’t from Ibadan?
The process of installation as Mogaji begins from nomination by members of the family compound. It is a family affair and I thank my kinsmen for finding me worthy of that honour. Let me thank the Olubadan, Olori and the entire Olubadan-in-Council for accepting my nomination and installation as Mogaji of Oguntegbe family.
It is an honour and service to the community and the entire Ibadan land, and I will ensure that I continue to contribute my immense quota to the development and growth of the Ibadan land.
On the issue of origin, I believe the issue has been laid to rest as the allegation was purely political ab-initio, cooked up by those who couldn’t compete fairly. The records of the Oguntegbe family of Labo are well known. My Uncle was one of the most popular photographer (Victory Photos at Oja-oba) in his time.
The records and history of the Oguntegbe family can be traced and verified to our village, Aba Akinyode in Akanran, and our ancestral family church, St David’s Cathedral Kudeti, Ibadan amongst many other landmarks.
How did you feel when you were asked to step down for Adelabu in the 2018 APC governorship primaries?
It was an anti-climax to an exciting journey. We had toured the length and breadth of the state, pushing our message which was well accepted by party leaders and delegates. We had consulted key stakeholders outside the APC as a precursor to victory at the general elections. I was very confident of the tremendous support for my candidacy going into the September 30 primary election and I had no doubt that I was going to pick the party ticket. However, I was prevailed upon to step down for the eventual candidate of the party by late former governor Abiola Ajimobi, our Leader whom I hold dear and had tremendous respect and admiration for, beyond politics. As a loyal and cultured party man, I had to let go. The rest, as they say, is history.
Should we expect Tegbe in the 2023 guber election?
Many of the issues and challenges of the society which brought me into the race are still prevalent and largely unabated. There is still significant developmental gaps; in the economic, socio-economic and infrastructure space. I am still fully committed to my aspiration.
As part of my quest for a better society, I will also continue to focus on executing the projects of the Tegbe Foundation in easing the hardship and pain of the people.
Why do you want to become governor?
Like most citizens, I desire a peaceful and prosperous state. The crux of my 2018 campaign was the Make Oyo First Again. I am desirous of a state that would regain its pacesetter status and live up to the potential of its vast human and natural resources.
