Owo Council declares suspended LG Chairman persona non grata over insult to monarch

Owo Council declares suspended LG Chairman persona non grata over insult to monarch

The Olowo-in-Council has declared the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government Area, Hon. Tope Omolayo, persona non grata in the town following alleged derogatory remarks he made against the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.

Omolayo, who was recently suspended by the council’s lawmakers, came under fire after a viral audio recording surfaced in which he was heard making disrespectful comments about the monarch. Though he later issued a public apology, the traditional council said his conduct amounted to a grave insult to the revered throne.

In his apology letter, Omolayo had written:

“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.”

Despite the apology, the Olowo-in-Council said Omolayo’s continued presence in office was “no longer acceptable” to both the people and the traditional leadership of Owo.

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Speaking on behalf of the Council, High Chief (Dr.) Ademola Obanonyen, the Ogwadogbon of Owo, described Omolayo’s utterances as a “sacrilegious act” that struck at the heart of Owo’s traditions and values.

“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 the Council viewed the incident as a direct provocation and an assault on the throne, calling on the Ondo State Government to take necessary administrative steps “in the interest of peace and respect for traditional authority.”

The statement further stressed that Omolayo’s behaviour had eroded public trust in leadership, urging all sons and daughters of Owo to remain calm and law-abiding.

“The dignity of the throne will be preserved through discipline and moral clarity, not confrontation,” the council said.

Reaffirming the Olowo’s role as custodian of culture and peace, the Council warned that Owo would not tolerate any act of insolence toward its monarchy.

“An insult to the Olowo is an affront to the entire Yoruba traditional system. 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.

Owo Council declares suspended LG Chairman persona non grata over insult to monarch