Ondo: Suspended Owo LG Chairman Banished From Community

By Ayodele Oni

More troubles seems to have befallen the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government in Ondo State, Tope Omolayo, as the Owo community has declared him a persona non grata.

The Olowo In Council, the highest decision making body for Oba Ajibade Ogunoye banished the estranged Chairman from coming to Owo.

Omolayo has been accused of gross misconduct following a viral phone outburst against Oba Ogunoye in which he accused the Monarch of demanding  monthly gratification of N10million from him.

Omolayo who had tendered an unreserved public apology, during a press conference held in Akure, had earlier been suspended by the Owo Local Government Legislative Council for alleged gross misconduct and disrespect to the traditional institution.

At a Press Briefing held at the Olowo’s Palace, the Olowo-in-Council insisted his continued presence as Chairman of the Owo Local Government Area Council is no longer acceptable to the people and traditional leadership of Owo.

The Olowo-in-Council calls on the Ondo State Government and relevant authorities to take due cognizance of this development and take appropriate administrative steps in the interest of peace and mutual respect.

Ogwadogbon of Owo,  Ademola Obanonyen, who briefed the press, said “We, the Olowo-in-Council, welcome you to this urgent Press briefing convened in the wake of a deeply regrettable and unprovoked affront to the revered stool of the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo and Paramount Ruler of Owo Land who doubles as the Chairman of Ondo State Council of Obas.

“Members of the Council as a body of critical stakeholders consider the sacrilegious attitude of the (embattled) Chairman as an act that should be treated with condemnation and negative sanctions that are rightly deserved, irrespective of his relationship with the Royal Family.

“This may have constrained His Majesty in taking immediate, extensive and appropriate actions, particularly traditional sanctions on the matter. All in all, we are duty bound to rise above sentiments, no matter who is involved, so as to avoid creating unpleasant precedence.

“We should also let you aware that all the Chairmen of the LCDAs in this great kingdom had also condemned and disassociated themselves clearly from this shameful outburst of the suspended Chairman, describing the attitude as unfortunate and regrettable of which he did not and will never enjoy their support.

“Our Position: After a thorough and sober deliberation, the Olowo-in- Council, speaking with one voice and acting in defense of the dignity of the Owo throne, hereby declares as follows:

“That the individual in question, by his reckless utterances and disrespectful conduct, has declared himself a persona-non-grata within the territory of Owo Kingdom.

“That his continued presence as Chairman of the Owo Local Government Area Council is no longer acceptable to the people and traditional leadership of Owo.

“That his actions have eroded the trust and confidence traditionally extended to holders of public office within the Owo community.

“That the Olowo-in-Council calls on the Ondo State Government and relevant authorities to take due cognizance of this development and take appropriate administrative steps in the interest of peace and mutual respect.

“We therefore urge all sons and daughters of Owo Kingdom, both at home and abroad, to remain calm, law-abiding, and avoid any form of confrontation or violence.

“Our strength lies in our unity, discipline, and the respect we accord our revered Institution as the dignity of our throne shall be preserved and not through chaos, but through the firmness of purpose and moral clarity.

“We take this opportunity to remind the public, particularly those in positions of authority, that traditional rulers are custodians of culture and maintainers of peace, not objects of ridicule.

“The Olowo of Owo Kingdom, like all other revered monarchs across Yorubaland, represents the spiritual and historical essence of our people. To insult the Olowo is to insult the entire Yoruba traditional system.

“We call on leaders at all levels be it political, religious, or social, to uphold mutual respect and to remember that no community can prosper where its values and heritage are trampled upon.”