By Duchess Ifeoluwa

…Fingers point at palace loyalists

Tension gripped Owo on Monday as violence broke out at the local government secretariat following the controversial return of the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Tope Omolayo, who reportedly resumed duties after a six-month suspension.

Sources within the secretariat told Nigerian Monitor that confusion trailed the development, as there was allegedly no official communication formally conveying the suspension at the time the crisis began.

Omolayo was suspended in October 2025,  by council lawmakers over allegations of public insult and disrespect toward the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, the paramount ruler of the ancient town.

The controversy stemmed from a viral audio recording in which the chairman was said to have made disparaging remarks about the monarch.

Following the incident, the Olowo-in-Council in a statement issued in November 2025, declared the council boss persona non grata in Owo Kingdom, despite a public apology tendered by Omolayo in which he accepted responsibility and expressed remorse over his comments.

“I take full responsibility for my words and acknowledge the grave disrespect they conveyed toward your highly revered stool and personality,” he had written, adding that his actions did not reflect his respect for the traditional institution.

However, the Olowo-in-Council maintained its position, insisting that his continued occupancy of office was unacceptable to the traditional leadership and people of the kingdom.

Speaking on behalf of the Council, the Ogwadogbon of Owo, High Chief Ademola Obanonyen, described the chairman’s conduct as “sacrilegious” and a direct affront to the throne, urging the Ondo State Government to take necessary administrative steps to preserve peace.

The situation escalated on Monday, when Omolayo reportedly arrived at the secretariat to reclaim his office, an action that triggered chaos as suspected thugs allegedly stormed the premises.

Eyewitnesses said the chairman was physically assaulted, his clothes torn, while sporadic gunshots were fired into the air, sending workers and bystanders fleeing in panic.

Sources identified some of the alleged attackers as individuals believed to be loyal to the palace, including one Kunle Odide, said to be a younger brother to the state Commissioner for Finance, alongside others known by aliases such as Eko, Gentle, Festus, Akeem, Goldberg and Lastangle.

Witnesses further alleged that the attackers claimed they were acting on the orders of the Olowo, insisting that the chairman must leave the town.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the palace had not issued any official statement confirming or denying the allegation.

The incident caused widespread panic within and around the secretariat, disrupting activities and heightening fears among residents.

The chairman’s suspension, which occurred about six months ago, had followed internal political and administrative disagreements within the council, though details of the dispute have remained contentious.

Monday’s development has since sparked debate among residents and political observers, particularly over the role of traditional institutions in matters concerning elected officials.

While some stakeholders argued that local government chairmen derive their mandate from constitutional processes, others stressed the enduring influence of traditional authorities in maintaining cultural order and community cohesion.

Amid the tension, workers at the council and concerned residents have called on the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to urgently intervene and restore calm before the situation escalates further.

Nigerian Monitor also gathered that the chairman’s attempted resumption was allegedly backed by the state government, a development that may further complicate the already delicate situation.

As of press time, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.