A fresh controversy has erupted in Owo, Ondo State, following the decision of the Olowo-in-Council to declare the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Tope Omolayo, persona non grata within the ancient community.

The decision came after Hon. Omolayo- suspended a few weeks ago by the Owo Legislative Council over alleged gross misconduct ? was accused of making disparaging remarks against the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, in a viral leaked video.

Although the embattled chairman had publicly apologised to the monarch, admitting that his utterances were ?thoughtless? and disrespectful, the Olowo-in-Council maintained that his presence as chairman was no longer acceptable to the people and traditional leadership of Owo.

Speaking on behalf of the council on Saturday, Ogwadogbon of Owo, High Chief Ademola Obanonyen, described Omolayo?s comments as ?utter sacrilege and crass contempt? against the revered throne.

He said the Council, acting to protect the dignity of the monarchy, resolved that Omolayo be regarded as persona non grata in Owo, insisting that his continued stay as chairman ?is no longer acceptable.?

Obanonyen noted that all Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) within Owo Kingdom had disowned Omolayo?s conduct, describing his remarks as ?unfortunate and regrettable ? while calling on the Ondo State Government to take note and act ?in the interest of peace.?

He said: ?After a thorough and sober deliberation, the Olowo-in-Council, speaking with one voice and acting in defence of the dignity of the Owo throne, hereby declares that the individual in question, by his reckless utterances and disrespectful conduct, has declared himself persona non grata within Owo Kingdom.?

He added that the Council viewed the chairman?s behaviour as ?a direct provocation and an assault on the throne,? stressing that ?any attempt to ridicule the Olowo is an insult to the entire Owo Kingdom, our ancestors, and our collective heritage.?

?That his continued presence as Chairman of the Owo Local Government Area Council is no longer acceptable to the people and traditional leadership of Owo.

?That his actions have eroded the trust and confidence traditionally extended to holders of public office within the Owo community.

?That the Olowo-in-Council calls on the Ondo State Government and relevant authorities to take due cognizance of this development and take appropriate administrative steps in the interest of peace and mutual respect.?

?The Olowo of Owo Kingdom is not only the custodian of our ancient traditions but also a symbol of unity, peace, and progress. Any attempt to ridicule the person or sacred institution he represents is an insult to the entire Owo Kingdom, our ancestors, and our collective heritage.?

The Council further appealed to all indigenes of Owo to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the dignity of the throne would be preserved through discipline and moral clarity, not confrontation.

It added that traditional rulers are custodians of culture and peace, not objects of ridicule, warning that ?Owo Kingdom will never tolerate insolence against its throne ? a throne that has stood for centuries as a beacon of civilization, wisdom, and dignity.?

When contacted by our reporter over his reaction to the development, Hon. Omolayo immediately declined comments. (The Nation)

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