Chairman of Owo LG to Olowo: I Take Full Responsibility for My Unruly Statements to the Royal Stool
A Heartfelt Apology and Reaffirmation of Loyalty
Date: 24th October, 2025.
The Chairman of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State, Hon. (Elder) Tope Omolayo, has tendered an unreserved apology to the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, over recent viral voice notes in which he made what he described as “deeply regrettable and unruly statements.”
In a statement personally signed by him, Hon. Omolayo expressed deep remorse, taking full responsibility for his words and acknowledging the grave disrespect they conveyed towards the revered traditional stool and the monarch’s personality.
“With utmost humility and deep remorse, I write to tender my unreserved apology to Your Imperial Majesty regarding the recent viral voice notes in which I made some deeply regrettable and unruly statements. I take full responsibility for my words and acknowledge the grave disrespect they conveyed towards your highly revered stool and personality,” he stated.
Hon. Omolayo noted that his actions were thoughtless and did not reflect the values of Owo culture nor the respect he holds for the traditional institution.
“I am profoundly sorry for any hurt, embarrassment, or disappointment my utterances may have caused you, our royal household, and the good people of Owo Kingdom. My actions at that moment were thoughtless and do not reflect the values of our culture, the respect I hold for the traditional institution, nor the esteem with which I regard your person as the custodian of our cherished heritage,” he added.
The LG chairman pleaded for forgiveness and the fatherly understanding of the Olowo, adding that the incident had served as a humbling lesson for him.
“Your Imperial Majesty, I plead for your forgiveness and seek your fatherly understanding. This unfortunate incident has served as a sobering moment of reflection and has strengthened my resolve to act with greater wisdom, humility, and respect moving forward,” he said.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the Ondo State Government, Hon. Omolayo pledged his continued commitment to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Let me also use this opportunity to reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and total commitment to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the entire All Progressives Congress (APC) family. I remain a dedicated servant of our great party and will continue to work tirelessly in line with its ideals and in support of the Governor’s visionary leadership for the betterment of our state and Owo in particular,” he affirmed.
The council boss also called on all sons and daughters of Owo, both at home and in the diaspora, to unite for the development and progress of the kingdom.
“Furthermore, I appeal to all sons and daughters of Owo at home and in the diaspora to join hands with us in building a peaceful, prosperous, and progressive Owo Local Government. Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of division and strife. Now more than ever, we must unite in purpose and action to secure the future of our land,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to councilors and colleagues for their support and urged continued cooperation in fulfilling their mandate to the people.
Finally, Hon. Omolayo appealed to all aggrieved persons to forgive and move forward in unity.
“I plead with all aggrieved persons to find it in their hearts to forgive and bury the hatchet. Let us move forward with a renewed spirit of unity, reconciliation, and shared commitment to the growth of our community,” he stated.
He concluded by praying for divine wisdom and strength for the Olowo as he continues to lead the people of Owo.
“May the Almighty continue to guide Your Imperial Majesty with wisdom and strength as you lead the great people of Owo,” he prayed.
