The Olowo-in-Council, the traditional governing body of Owo Kingdom, has declared the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Tope Omolayo, unwelcome in the community following his controversial remarks against the Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.
Omolayo was recently suspended by the Owo Legislative Council for alleged gross misconduct after an audio recording of him making uncomplimentary statements about the monarch surfaced online.
Although the council boss later tendered a public apology in Akure, the Olowo-in-Council maintained that his behaviour was unacceptable and constituted a grave disrespect to the revered throne.
Addressing newsmen after a meeting at the palace, the Ogwadogbon of Owo, High Chief (Dr.) Ademola Obanonyen, who spoke for the Council, described Omolayo’s comments as “an act of sacrilege and disdain” towards the institution of the Olowo.
He said the Council had therefore resolved to regard the suspended chairman as persona non grata within the Owo Kingdom, adding that “his continued occupation of the office of local government chairman is no longer tolerable.”
According to the chiefs, all local council development areas (LCDAs) under Owo have also dissociated themselves from Omolayo’s conduct, which they described as shameful and unfortunate.
The Council urged the Ondo State Government to intervene and uphold peace in the community, warning public office holders to respect traditional authorities, as “any insult to the Olowo amounts to an insult to the entire Yoruba traditional structure.”
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