Thugs Attack Owo LG Chairman  Following Attempt To Resume From Six Months Suspension

By Ayodele Oni

Embattled Chairman of Owo Local Government, in Ondo State, Tope Omolayo, again met a brick wall as he moved to resume from the six months suspension clamped on him by the Legislative arm of the Council.

The Legislative arm of Owo local government in Ondo State had suspended Tope Omolayo, the Chairman of the Local Government indefinitely since October last year over an alleged gross misconduct.

The suspension was part of the resolutions of the Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the leadership of Doyin Adebayo, at its sitting on Wednesday in Owo.

The decision was passed by majority of the 11 Councilors in the Legislative Council.

According to the resolution signed by the two-third majority of the council Lawmakers, “the Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the House Leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo, has taken decisive action to ensure good governance and accountability in Owo Local Government Area.

“The allegations against Hon. Omolayo include financial improprieties, utter violation of statutory budget and IGR regulations, disrespect to traditional heads, and failure to conduct himself in an appropriate manner. These allegations are serious and require thorough investigation.

There was commotion at the council secretariat on Monday following attempt by the chairman to return to office.

Sources at the Secretariat, however, claimed there was no official letter to formally communicate his suspension at the time the crisis began aside the resolution by the Legislative arm.

The Chairman reportedly arrived at the Council Secretariat to reclaim his office when a group of suspected thugs stormed the premises, assaulted him, tore his clothes and fired gunshots into the air to disperse workers and bystanders.

Witnesses further claimed the attackers chanted that the Olowo of Owo had ordered the Chairman to leave the town. However, the Palace has not issued any official statement on the allegation as of the time of filing this report.

The gunfire reportedly caused panic among staff members and residents around the Secretariat, forcing many to flee for safety.

Workers at the Secretariat and concerned residents have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene and restore calm in the council area before the situation escalates further.

Omolayo had earlier apologized to the Traditional Ruler of Owo kingdom, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye for his alleged unruly statements.

Omolayo in the wake of his suspension by the Councilors of the Council, had accused the Lawmakers and Olowo of making frivolous financial demands from him.

He had claimed that Oba Ogunoye demanded for one million naira monthly from him as Chairman of the Local Government, an allegation that has been denied by the Palace.

Omolayo also boasted that nobody could suspend or remove him from office as chairman.

 The Chairman reaffirmed his loyalty to the Monarch, saying he holds the Traditional Institutions in high esteem.

Tendering his apology, Omolayo said: “With utmost humility and deep remorse, I write to tender my unreserved apology to Your Imperial Majesty regarding the recent viral voice notes in which I made some deeply regrettable and unruly statements.

“I take full responsibility for my words and acknowledge the grave disrespect they conveyed towards your highly revered stool and personality.

“I am profoundly sorry for any hurt, embarrassment, or disappointment my utterances may have caused you, our royal household, and the good people of Owo Kingdom.

“My actions in that moment were thoughtless, and do not reflect the values of our culture, the respect I hold for the traditional institution, nor the esteem with which I regard your person as the custodian of our cherished heritage.

“Your Imperial Majesty, I plead for your forgiveness and seek your fatherly understanding.

“I assure you that this unfortunate incident has served as a sobering moment of reflection and has further strengthened my resolve to act with greater wisdom, humility, and respect moving forward.”