Lagos State lawmaker and actor, Desmond Elliot, has publicly apologised to the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, over his actions during the last All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election.
Elliot made the apology during a meeting with Gbajabiamila and other party chieftains, where he went on his knees and prostrated before the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.
The lawmaker, who represents Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, admitted that he had no excuse for his actions and expressed regret over the political disagreement
“I’m sorry. I have no excuse; I have nothing other than to say I’m deeply sorry. I’m deeply sorry, sir. And in our culture, we prostrate. Don’t be angry, Daddy,” Elliot said.
Gbajabiamila subsequently asked him to get up.
‘I May Have Offended My Political Mentor’
The latest apology comes after Elliot had previously expressed regret over his relationship with Gbajabiamila during an appearance on TVC’s Your View.
The lawmaker acknowledged that he might have offended his political mentor through his political activities but insisted that there was no deliberate attempt to disrespect him.
“I’m not saying, oh, yes, media will come out, oh yes, Desmond begs again. Yes, because he’s my egbon. And I grew up learning everything I knew in politics through him,” Elliot said.
He added: “To err is human, to forgive is divine. So I’m sorry, my daddy, if I’ve offended you in any way.”
Fallout Over Lagos Assembly Crisis
The disagreement between Elliot and Gbajabiamila emerged against the backdrop of the political crisis that rocked the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Gbajabiamila had previously disclosed that he faced difficulties at the Presidency over allegations concerning Elliot’s role in the political developments surrounding the Assembly leadership crisis.
According to him, President Tinubu confronted him over intelligence reports alleging that Elliot was involved in moves connected to the speakership tussle.
Elliot denied the allegations at the time.
The Assembly crisis eventually led to the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker and the emergence of Mojisola Meranda.
Obasa later returned to the position following interventions by APC leaders before eventually announcing his intention to leave the Assembly after 23 years and contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.
Elliot Loses APC Ticket
The political fallout also affected Elliot’s attempt to secure the APC ticket for another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Elliot lost the party’s primary election in Surulere Constituency I to Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, who was backed by Gbajabiamila.
The defeat ended Elliot’s bid for a fourth term after three terms in the Lagos Assembly.
Elliot has represented Surulere Constituency I since 2015.
His latest public appeal appears to be an effort to mend his relationship with Gbajabiamila and reconcile with the APC leadership in Lagos as he seeks to remain within the party’s political fold.
