Suspended Chairman Omolayo Fights Back, Labels Councillors ‘Elements of Destruction’ Over Alleged Cash Demands

The political crisis in Owo Local Council Area deepened as the embattled Chairman, Tope Omolayo, swiftly dismissed reports of his suspension by the legislative council, stating he is yet to receive any official communication regarding the action.

Dependable NG reports that in a fiery statement, Omolayo labelled the councillors who supported his purported removal as “elements of destruction,” expressing shock over the development and insisting he has no substantive issue with the legislative council.

The council chairman, who was reportedly suspended on Wednesday by a two-thirds majority of the legislative arm, staunchly maintained that he remains in full control of the council area. He categorically claimed that the actions and complaints levelled against him were primarily driven by financial motivations.

Omolayo detailed the alleged financial demands, stating: “All they wanted was for me to give them money. When they gave me project money, they said I should give them 30 per cent. I said no. They said I should go and bring 25 million. All they were agitating for was money, money, money.”

Insisting that the suspension is invalid, Omolayo referred to the action as a mere “online kangaroo announcement.”

On the specific allegations that he disrespected traditional rulers—one of the apparent reasons for his purported suspension—Omolayo challenged reporters to verify the claim directly with the revered monarchs. “All you need to do is call Kabiyesi Ojomo, call Olupele, call Oluyere, call Olowo, call Elemure, and call Oloba to ascertain this,” he challenged, stressing his reputation as a “man of peace.”