Traditional rulers in Owo Local Government Area have publicly condemned the suspended council chairman, Hon. Tope Omolayo, for what they call “disgusting” remarks made against their leader, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.
The council of Obas broke its silence days after a leaked audio recording featured Omolayo using harsh words against the monarch. This followed Omolayo’s suspension by local councillors.
Although the suspended chairman issued a written apology, calling his words “thoughtless,” the traditional rulers have declared it insufficient. They stated that Omolayo’s initial outburst was a direct insult to every king in Owo land.
Through a statement from their secretary, the Oloba of Uso, Oba Ademola Adebiyi Oyinbade, the monarchs explained they had remained quiet to encourage peace and allow Omolayo a chance to show true remorse. They expected a public apology to the Olowo and other Obas.
The rulers expressed disappointment, stating that Omolayo has not taken “practical steps” to properly apologize. They dismissed a press conference he held as an inadequate substitute for a sincere act of contrition.
The Obas used this incident to issue a strong warning to all politicians. They advised political parties to only sponsor “mature, experienced, and disciplined” individuals for public office to avoid future embarrassment to traditional institutions.
Unanimously backing the Olowo, the monarchs declared Omolayo’s behavior “unbecoming of a person holding public office” and denounced the attack as “one too many,” signaling a firm stance against disrespect.
