Tension is brewing in Owo Kingdom after the Olowo-in-Council declared the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Tope Omolayo, persona-non-grata within the traditional domain.
The declaration followed Omolayo’s suspension by the Owo Local Government Legislative Council over alleged gross misconduct and a viral phone outburst in which he insulted the Olowo of Owo Kingdom and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.
Although Omolayo publicly apologized during a press briefing in Akure, the Olowo-in-Council maintained on Friday that his continued presence as chairman was unacceptable to both the people and the traditional leadership of Owo.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Olowo’s Palace, the Ogwadogbon of Owo, High Chief (Dr.) Ademola Obanonyen, described the act as “utter sacrilege and crass contempt” against the revered throne of the Olowo.
He stressed that the Council, defending the dignity of the stool, had resolved that Omolayo should no longer be regarded as welcome in Owo Kingdom.
High Chief Obanonyen added that all Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) under Owo had dissociated themselves from the actions of the suspended chairman, describing his conduct as “unfortunate and regrettable.”
The Council urged the Ondo State Government to take “appropriate administrative steps in the interest of peace and mutual respect” and called on residents of Owo 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.”