Confusion has persisted over the leadership of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State as both the suspended chairman, Hon. Tope Omolayo, and the acting chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Hammed, continue to lay claim to authority in the council.
The crisis began on October 15, 2025, when councillors suspended Omolayo over allegations of gross misconduct, financial impropriety, and breaches of administrative procedures.
Omolayo, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, was suspended following a resolution reportedly supported by a two-thirds majority of the legislative council.
The council directed that Hammed, the vice chairman, should take over as acting chairman pending investigations into the allegations and administrative review.
Tensions escalated after reports of strained relations between Omolayo and some traditional leaders in Owo, including alleged derogatory remarks about the Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, which he later apologised for.
The Olowo-in-Council subsequently condemned the alleged comments and reportedly declared Omolayo persona non grata, describing them as offensive to the cultural values of the kingdom and an affront to the stool.
The council also urged the Ondo State Government to take administrative action to safeguard peace and respect for traditional institutions in the town.
Amid the controversy, Hammed reportedly assumed duties as acting chairman, overseeing council programmes and official activities, including health campaigns and infrastructure-related engagements.
However, the situation became more complicated as both Omolayo and Hammed were later reported to be carrying out parallel functions, with each laying claim to the leadership of the local government.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the state government was aware of the development and assured that efforts were ongoing to resolve the matter amicably within days.
