Owo, Ondo State — The Owo Local Government Council of Obas has strongly condemned the recent audio message by the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government, Mr. Tope Omolayo, in which he made disparaging remarks against His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo.
In a statement signed by HRM Oba Engr. Ademola Adebiyi Oyinbade, PhD, the Oloba of Uso and Secretary of the Owo Council of Obas, the traditional rulers denounced Omolayo’s comments as “uncouth, disrespectful and unbecoming of a public office holder.”
The council expressed disappointment that Omolayo had not taken steps to offer a personal, unreserved apology to Kabiyesi Olowo and the Obas of Owo Local Government Area, noting that his press conference in Akure “cannot suffice as a sincere apology” given the gravity of his remarks.
“An attack on Kabiyesi Olowo is an attack on all the Obas,” the statement read. The Obas also called on political parties to ensure that only disciplined and mature individuals are sponsored to public offices to prevent such public embarrassment in the future.
The council commended Kabiyesi Olowo for his “mature and silent response” to the provocation, describing his restraint as exemplary leadership.
They also urged the citizens of Owo, both at home and abroad, to remain calm and peaceful in the face of the controversy.
The statement was copied to key government and political leaders, including the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at state and local government levels.
