The traditional leadership of Owo Kingdom has officially declared the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Tope Omolayo, persona non grata within the territory of the kingdom, following his alleged act of gross misconduct and public disrespect towards the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.
The declaration, made on Friday during a press briefing at the Olowo’s Palace, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute that began after a viral audio clip surfaced in which the embattled chairman was alleged to have made derogatory remarks against the monarch.
Omolayo, who has since issued a public apology in Akure, was earlier suspended by the Owo Local Government Legislative Council for “gross misconduct” and “disrespect to the traditional institution.”
Speaking on behalf of the Olowo-in-Council, the Ogwadogbon of Owo, High Chief (Dr.) Ademola Obanonyen, condemned Omolayo’s actions as “sacrilegious” and an affront to the dignity of the throne.
“The Council expresses its total outrage and unequivocal condemnation of the recent public insult and disrespect directed at His Imperial Majesty. Such an act is not only an insult to the Olowo but an affront to the entire Yoruba traditional system,” Chief Obanonyen said.
He noted that despite the personal relationship between the suspended chairman and the royal family, the Council is determined to uphold the sanctity of the throne and prevent dangerous precedents that could erode respect for traditional authority.
The Council’s resolutions, read publicly, included the following key points:
1. That Hon. Tope Omolayo, by his conduct and utterances, has been declared persona non grata within Owo Kingdom.
2. That his continued service as Chairman of Owo Local Government is “no longer acceptable to the people and traditional leadership of Owo.”
3. That his actions have “eroded the trust and confidence traditionally extended to holders of public office within the community.”
4. That the Ondo State Government and relevant authorities should take “appropriate administrative steps” to safeguard peace and mutual respect.
The Olowo-in-Council further called on all sons and daughters of Owo, both at home and abroad, to remain calm and law-abiding, emphasizing that the kingdom’s values will be defended through lawful and disciplined means, not confrontation.
“Our strength lies in unity and respect for our institutions. The dignity of our throne will be preserved through moral clarity and adherence to due process,” the statement added.
The Council also reminded public officials across the state that traditional rulers remain the custodians of culture and mediators of peace, and must be accorded due respect as enshrined in Yoruba custom and the constitutional recognition of traditional institutions.
The statement concluded with a call for mutual respect between political leaders and royal authorities, stressing that “no community can thrive when its heritage and values are trampled upon.”
