By SEGUN GIWA

The suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State, Mr Tope Omolayo, has called for support of residents and indigenes of Owo, both home and in diaspora, to enable a peaceful, united and prosperous town.

Omolayo made the call on Friday in Akure at a news conference, where he also apologised to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Oguonoye, over a viral voice note containing some comments he regretted.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Omolayo was last week suspended by his councillors over alleged gross misconduct.

The chairman urged the indigenes to, as a matter of urgency, unite in purpose and action to secure the future of the town.

He appealed for forgiveness from the traditional ruler of the town for any hurt, embarrassment, or disappointment his utterances may have caused the royal household and the people of Owo Kingdom.

“With utmost humility and deep remorse, I 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.

“My actions in that moment were thoughtless and do not reflect the values of our culture.

“It also doesn’t reflect the respect I hold for the traditional institution, nor the esteem with which I regard your person as the custodian of our cherished heritage.

“Let me also use this opportunity to reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and total commitment to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Lucky 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.

“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,” he said.

Omolayo urged all aggrieved persons to forget the past, bury the hatchet and join him in moving the ancient town forward in the spirit of unity, reconciliation and shared commitment. (NAN)