Tension as Olowo-in-Council Bans Suspended LG Chairman Says, He’s No Longer Welcome in Owo

The traditional leadership of Owo Kingdom, under the authority of the Olowo-in-Council, has declared the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Tope Omolayo, persona-non-grata within the territory of the Kingdom.

The declaration followed Omolayo’s recent suspension by the Owo Local Government Legislative Council over alleged gross misconduct and his viral phone outburst against the Olowo of Owo Kingdom and Chairman of Ondo State Council of Obas, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.

Although the embattled Chairman had publicly apologized during a press conference in Akure, the Olowo-in-Council, at a briefing held on Friday at the Olowo’s Palace, maintained that his continued presence in office was no longer acceptable to the people and traditional leadership of Owo.

Reading the statement on behalf of the Council, the Ogwadogbon of Owo, High Chief (Dr.) Ademola Obanonyen, said the act amounted to “utter sacrilege and crass contempt” against the revered stool of the Olowo.

He emphasized that the Council, acting in defense of the dignity of the Owo throne, had resolved that Hon. Omolayo be regarded as persona-non-grata in Owo Kingdom, adding that his “continued stay as Chairman of Owo Local Government Area is no longer acceptable.”

The Council also revealed that all LCDAs within Owo Kingdom had disassociated themselves from the conduct of the suspended Chairman, describing his outburst as “unfortunate and regrettable.”

Calling on the Ondo State Government to take “appropriate administrative steps in the interest of peace and mutual respect,” the Olowo-in-Council urged indigenes of Owo to remain calm and law-abiding.

The statement further reminded public office holders of the sanctity of traditional institutions, warning that “to insult the Olowo is to insult the entire Yoruba traditional system.”

Credit: Roving Reporters