Owo Kingdom Declares Suspended Chairman Persona Non Grata
The Olowo-in-Council of Owo Kingdom has declared Hon. Tope Omolayo, the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government, as persona non grata in the town. This decision was made in response to what they considered a public affront to the revered position of the Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye.
Omolayo had been suspended recently by the Owo Legislative Council for alleged gross misconduct and disrespect towards the traditional institution. Following a viral phone conversation where he made derogatory remarks about the monarch, he issued a public apology.
During a press briefing at the Olowo’s Palace, High Chief (Dr.) Ademola Obanonyen, speaking on behalf of the Olowo-in-Council, stated that the council viewed the chairman’s comments as sacrilegious and unacceptable to the people and leadership of Owo.
He said the traditional council viewed the act as a desecration of the throne and an affront to Yoruba values, noting that the Owo Kingdom would not condone such disrespect to its monarch.
Obanonyen said:
“The Council expresses its total outrage and unequivocal condemnation of the recent public insult and disrespect directed at His Imperial Majesty by an individual whose actions are nothing short of utter sacrilege and crass contempt.
“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, which 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, to avoid creating unpleasant precedents. 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.”
Obanonyen however, said following extensive deliberations, the Olowo-in-Council, acting unanimously and in defense of the dignity and sanctity 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.”
The Olowo-in-Council urged indigenes of Owo at home and abroad to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the dignity of the throne would be preserved through unity and respect for tradition, not through violence or chaos.
The Council further reminded public office holders that traditional rulers are custodians of culture and symbols of peace, not objects of ridicule, adding that an affront to the Olowo of Owo is an insult to the entire Yoruba traditional institution.
“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.”
It will be recalled that the suspended Chairman, Omolayo, has apologized to Oba Ogunoye, over the viral audio in which he was allegedly heard making derogatory remarks against the monarch.
Omolayo in a letter to the monarch described his comments as regrettable and took full responsibility for what he called a “grave disrespect” to the revered throne.
He wrote:
“I am profoundly sorry for any hurt, embarrassment, or disappointment my utterances may have caused Your Majesty and the people of Owo Kingdom.”
The embattled chairman said the incident had been a sobering moment and pledged to act with greater humility and respect, reaffirming his loyalty to the traditional institution.
Omolayo was suspended by the Owo Legislative Council for alleged gross misconduct and disrespect to the traditional authority.