By Jimoh Ahmed | The Pivot Online
The political troubles facing the Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Tope Omolayo, have deepened as traditional leaders under the umbrella of the Olowo-in-Council have called for his immediate removal from office.
The Council, in a strongly worded press statement released on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Olowo’s Palace in Owo, accused Omolayo of making “reckless utterances” and showing “gross disrespect” to the revered stool of His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas.
Describing the act as “utter sacrilege and crass contempt,” the Olowo-in-Council declared that Omolayo’s continued stay in office was no longer acceptable to the traditional leadership and people of Owo.
> “By his reckless utterances and disrespectful conduct, the individual in question has declared himself persona non grata within Owo Kingdom,” the Council said.
“His continued presence as Chairman of Owo Local Government is unacceptable, having eroded the trust and confidence traditionally extended to holders of public office.”
The statement, signed and read by senior chiefs on behalf of the Council, condemned the Chairman’s alleged public affront on the Olowo, noting that such behavior amounted to an assault on the heritage and collective dignity of Owo people.
According to the Council, the Olowo’s restraint from immediate traditional sanctions — possibly due to family or political considerations — should not be mistaken for weakness.
> “We are duty bound to rise above sentiment, no matter who is involved, so as to avoid creating unpleasant precedent,” the statement added.
The Olowo-in-Council also revealed that all chairmen of the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Owo Kingdom had condemned and distanced themselves from Omolayo’s conduct, describing it as “unfortunate, regrettable, and undeserving of public office.”
The Council reaffirmed its total loyalty and solidarity to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ogunoye III, while emphasizing that the Olowo represents the unity, peace, and identity of the Owo people at home and abroad.
> “Any attempt to demean or ridicule the person or the sacred institution he represents is an insult to the entire Owo Kingdom, our ancestors, and our collective heritage,” the Council declared.
Calling for calm among citizens, the traditional leaders urged indigenes of Owo to remain law-abiding and not resort to violence, stressing that the matter would be pursued within lawful and administrative channels.
> “Owo Kingdom shall never tolerate insolence against its throne — a throne that has stood for centuries as a beacon of civilization, wisdom, and dignity,” the statement concluded.
The Olowo-in-Council subsequently called on the Ondo State Government to take “appropriate administrative steps” in the interest of peace, order, and respect for traditional authority.
As of press time, The Pivot Online has reached out to Hon. Omolayo for comments on the allegations but has yet to receive a response.
