The Chairman of the Owo Local Council Area of Ondo State, Tope Omolayo, has apologised to the traditional ruler of the Owo kingdom, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, over some purported unpleasant remarks made against the monarch.
While tendering his apology during a press briefing at the NUJ Press Centre, Akure, Ondo State capital, on Friday, Omolayo reaffirmed his loyalty to the monarch, saying he holds the traditional institutions in high esteem.
The council boss was suspended by the legislative council a few years ago over alleged gross misconduct.
Accompanied by some of the councillors, Omolayo also seized the opportunity to reaffirm his loyalty to the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his unwavering commitment to the governor’s vision for the state’s development.
He said, “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. 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 in 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.
“Your Imperial Majesty, I plead for your forgiveness and seek your fatherly understanding. I assure you that this unfortunate incident has served as a sobering moment of reflection and has further strengthened my resolve to act with greater wisdom, humility, and respect moving forward.
“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,” Omolayo said.
Meanwhile, the council boss called for unity among the sons and daughters of the local government and their support for the development of the local government, noting that development could only thrive where there is unity and peace among the people.
“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.”
