The suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Tope Omolayo, has been declared persona non grata by the traditional leadership of the ancient town of Owo Kingdom.
While disclosing that the continued stay of Omolayo as the council boss of Owo is no longer welcome, the Olowo-in-Council, speaking through the Ogwadogbon of Owo, High Chief Ademola Obanoyen, stated that the community will not allow anyone to disregard the traditional stool.
Omolayo, who was suspended a few weeks ago by the legislative council over alleged gross misconduct, was accused of making purportedly unpleasant remarks against the monarch, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, in a viral leaked video.
Describing the council chairman’s action as “utter sacrilege and crass contempt” against the revered stool of the Olowo, Obanoyen stated that Owo has turned its back on Omolayo.
The Olowo-in-Council also urged the state government to take appropriate administrative steps in the interest of peace and mutual respect, appealing to indigenes of the community to remain calm and law-abiding.
The statement further reminded public office holders of the sanctity of traditional institutions, warning that “to insult the Olowo is to insult the entire Yoruba traditional system.”
The embattled chairman had publicly apologized to the Olowo over the alleged outburst, emphasizing the need for everyone to embrace peace and unity.
