Owo council declares suspended chairman persona non grata over insult to monarch

The recently suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government in Ondo State, Hon. Tope Omolayo, has been declared persona non grata by the Olowo-in-Council over his alleged public insult and disrespect toward the paramount ruler of the town, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.

The declaration came despite Omolayo’s earlier public apology following the circulation of a viral audio in which he was heard making disparaging remarks about the monarch after his suspension by the local legislative council.

Speaking on behalf of the Olowo-in-Council, High Chief (Dr.) Ademola Obanonyen, the Ogwadogbon of Owo, described Omolayo’s conduct as a “sacrilegious attitude” that deserved condemnation and administrative sanctions. He urged the Ondo State Government and relevant authorities to take appropriate action in the interest of peace.

“The Olowo of Owo Kingdom is not only the custodian of our ancient traditions but also a symbol of unity, peace, and progress. Any attempt to ridicule the person or sacred institution he represents is an insult to the entire Owo Kingdom, our ancestors, and our collective heritage,” Obanonyen said.

He added that Omolayo’s actions had eroded the trust and confidence of the people in public officeholders and that his continued presence as chairman was unacceptable to both the community and its traditional leadership.

In his apology letter, Omolayo had admitted wrongdoing, writing: “I take full responsibility for my words and acknowledge the grave disrespect they conveyed toward your highly revered stool and personality. I am profoundly sorry for any hurt, embarrassment, or disappointment my utterances may have caused you, the royal household, and the people of Owo Kingdom.”

However, the Council maintained that the apology could not undo the damage caused, emphasizing that the Olowo’s throne represents not just an individual but the collective dignity of the Owo people and the Yoruba traditional institution.

The Council appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that the dignity of the throne would be preserved through discipline and moral integrity, not confrontation.

“Owo Kingdom will never tolerate insolence against its throne—a throne that has stood for centuries as a beacon of civilization, wisdom, and dignity,” the statement concluded.

The recently suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government in Ondo State, Hon. Tope Omolayo, has been declared persona non grata by the Olowo-in-Council over his alleged public insult and disrespect toward the paramount ruler of the town, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.

The declaration came despite Omolayo’s earlier public apology following the circulation of a viral audio in which he was heard making disparaging remarks about the monarch after his suspension by the local legislative council.

Speaking on behalf of the Olowo-in-Council, High Chief (Dr.) Ademola Obanonyen, the Ogwadogbon of Owo, described Omolayo’s conduct as a “sacrilegious attitude” that deserved condemnation and administrative sanctions. He urged the Ondo State Government and relevant authorities to take appropriate action in the interest of peace.

“The Olowo of Owo Kingdom is not only the custodian of our ancient traditions but also a symbol of unity, peace, and progress. Any attempt to ridicule the person or sacred institution he represents is an insult to the entire Owo Kingdom, our ancestors, and our collective heritage,” Obanonyen said.

He added that Omolayo’s actions had eroded the trust and confidence of the people in public officeholders and that his continued presence as chairman was unacceptable to both the community and its traditional leadership.

In his apology letter, Omolayo had admitted wrongdoing, writing: “I take full responsibility for my words and acknowledge the grave disrespect they conveyed toward your highly revered stool and personality. I am profoundly sorry for any hurt, embarrassment, or disappointment my utterances may have caused you, the royal household, and the people of Owo Kingdom.”

However, the Council maintained that the apology could not undo the damage caused, emphasizing that the Olowo’s throne represents not just an individual but the collective dignity of the Owo people and the Yoruba traditional institution.

The Council appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that the dignity of the throne would be preserved through discipline and moral integrity, not confrontation.

“Owo Kingdom will never tolerate insolence against its throne a throne that has stood for centuries as a beacon of civilization, wisdom, and dignity,” the statement concluded.