Desmond Elliot, the incumbent lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has formally apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, acknowledging that any friction between them may have stemmed from political misunderstandings.
Elliot made the remarks during an appearance on TVC’s Your View on Friday, where he stressed that there was no intention to offend and reaffirmed his commitment to party unity and constituency development. He said he entered politics under Gbajabiamila’s guidance, whom he described as his “egbon” (elder), adding that misunderstandings may have contributed to past disagreements.
“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 that political relationships are not immune to mistakes. “To err is human, to forgive is divine. So I’m sorry, my daddy, if I’ve offended you in any way,” he said.
Elliot also extended an apology to what he called the “matriarch of Surulere”. “To the matriarch of Surulere, mama, I’m sorry if I’ve offended you,” he said.
Gbajabiamila’s Earlier Remarks
Gbajabiamila had earlier narrated how he almost lost his job due to Elliot’s involvement in the Lagos Assembly saga. In a viral video while speaking at a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) members, Gbajabiamila said President Bola Tinubu had called him during the impeachment saga of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, challenging that Desmond was among those involved and asking him to warn the known actor.
“He is part of the people causing problems in the Lagos Assembly. I am telling you from intelligence that he was part of them. Go and tell him to retrace his steps,” Gbajabiamila quoted Tinubu as saying. However, he said he told the president that the lawmaker wasn’t part of them, although he had not spoken with Desmond about it to confirm. “I just said he wasn’t,” the Chief of Staff said.
Gbajabiamila said he called Desmond, telling him that if he was part of the group, he should get out. Unfortunately, “he (Desmond) started cutting corners.” Three days later, Gbajabiamila said he was called to say there was a problem as his name was being mentioned all over the place, stating he was supporting Desmond. “Of course, the president will not believe Desmond will do such a thing, and I will not know,” he stated.
