Lagos lawmaker and actor Desmond Elliot has publicly apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, over potential offences arising from political disagreements within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During an appearance on TVC's Your View programme on Friday, May 15, Elliot reflected on his relationship with the former Speaker of the House of Representatives. He acknowledged Gbajabiamila's significant role in shaping his political career and emphasised that any disagreements were never intentional.
Elliot Acknowledges Mentorship
Elliot described Gbajabiamila as a senior figure from whom he learned politics. He stated, "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."
The apology follows tensions linked to the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis, which caused divisions within the APC. Gbajabiamila had earlier disclosed that allegations connected to Elliot's involvement during the speakership dispute nearly affected his position in the Presidency. He also mentioned that President Bola Tinubu confronted him over reports suggesting Elliot's role in the crisis, claims he denied.
Call for Unity and Forgiveness
Elliot acknowledged that misunderstandings can occur in political relationships and appealed for forgiveness, quoting, "To err is human, to forgive is divine. So I'm sorry, my daddy, if I've offended you in any way." He also apologised to a figure he referred to as the "matriarch of Surulere," saying, "To the matriarch of Surulere, mama, I'm sorry if I've offended you."
Despite the controversy surrounding the Assembly crisis, Elliot maintained that his focus remains on strengthening the party and serving residents of Surulere. He added, "But I will keep keeping the party strong. And to all Surulerians, my scorecard is there. You know the things I've done to make Surulere a better place."
Elliot's emotional display during a farewell session for Lagos State Speaker Mojisola Meranda previously went viral, with many netizens commenting on his tears.
