• Embattled chair, Omolayo, dismisses suspension, calls it ‘sheer propaganda’
By Adeboye Ado
The Chairman of Owo Local Government area of Ondo State, Hon. Tope Omolayo, has been suspended indefinitely over alleged gross misconduct and financial irregularities.
However, the council boss dismissed the suspension as mere media propaganda, describing it as far from the truth.
The suspension, which took immediate effect, was announced on Wednesday by the Owo Legislative Council under the leadership of Hon. Doyin Adebayo during its plenary session in Owo.
A majority of the 11 councillors reportedly endorsed the resolution, which accused Omolayo of several offences, including financial impropriety, violation of statutory budget regulations, and disregard for traditional authorities.
According to the council’s resolution, “The Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the House Leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo, has taken decisive action to ensure good governance and accountability in Owo Local Government area.
“The allegations against Hon. Omolayo include financial impropriety, blatant violation of statutory budget and internally generated revenue (IGR) regulations, disrespect for traditional heads, and failure to conduct himself appropriately. These allegations are serious and require thorough investigation.”
The council further stated that the Vice Chairman, Hon. Hamed Ibrahim, would assume office as Acting Chairman while investigations continue.
It added: “During the period of suspension, Hon. Hamed Ibrahim, the Vice Chairman, shall act as the chairman of the Local Government area. The investigation into the allegations shall be conducted in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner.”
In a swift reaction to his suspension, the embattled chairman, Hon. Tope Omolayo, refuted the claims, describing the reports as baseless and a product of online propaganda.
Omolayo said he had not received any official communication regarding his alleged suspension.
“Those are elements of destruction. I haven’t received any letter from them; we didn’t even argue. We were at the same programme yesterday,” he said.
The council boss also addressed reports that some councillors were unhappy with his administration, insisting that their grievances were largely financially motivated.
“I was at the office during the installation of the appointed advisers. But I knew there were some leaders who were not happy with what we were doing. When I asked them what their bone of contention was, someone said it was for me to stop all security activities in Owo.
“So, they are not happy. All they want is 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 then said I should bring ₦25 million. All they are agitating for is money, money, money,” he said.
Omolayo maintained that he remains in full control of the council.
“As far as we are concerned, nothing is happening. I have not been impeached. I have not been suspended. Nothing is happening. It’s just an online kangaroo announcement. That’s all I can say for now,” he added.
On allegations of disrespect for traditional rulers, he urged the public to verify the claims from the monarchs concerned.
Omolayo said, “One cannot praise himself. All you need to do is call Kabiyesi Ojomo, call Olupele, call Oluyere, call Olowo, call Elemure, or call Oloba to confirm. But if I tell you myself, you won’t believe it,” he said.
The chairman described himself as a man committed to peace and service.
“I am a man of peace. That is why the whole world loves me. Ask anybody,” he said.
He added, “I am still the executive chairman of Owo Local Government,” Omolayo affirmed.