Lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly and Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot, has publicly apologised to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over what he described as possible offences committed during political engagements.
Elliot made the apology on Friday during an appearance on TVC’s Your View, stating that any friction between them was unintentional and reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the party and serving his constituency.
The apology comes amid lingering political tensions linked to the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis, during which Gbajabiamila disclosed that allegations surrounding Elliot’s political involvement nearly affected his position in the Presidency.
According to Gbajabiamila, President Bola Tinubu had confronted him over intelligence reports suggesting Elliot played a role in the Assembly speakership dispute, an allegation he denied.
Speaking during the television programme, Elliot described Gbajabiamila as a political mentor and elder brother from whom he learned the ropes of politics.
“I’m not saying, oh yes, media will come out, ‘Desmond begs again.’ Yes, because he’s my egbon. And I grew up learning everything I knew in politics through him,” Elliot said.
He acknowledged that misunderstandings are sometimes inevitable in political relationships and appealed for forgiveness.
“To err is human, to forgive is divine. So, I’m sorry, my daddy, if I’ve offended you in any way,” he added.
The lawmaker also extended an apology to a woman he referred to as the “matriarch of Surulere,” expressing regret over any perceived offence.
“To the matriarch of Surulere, mama, I’m sorry if I’ve offended you,” he said.
Despite the apology, Elliot maintained that his focus remains on sustaining party unity and delivering democratic dividends to residents of Surulere.
“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,” he stated.
The Lagos Assembly leadership crisis had sparked internal disagreements within the ruling All Progressives Congress before it was eventually resolved through interventions by senior party stakeholders.
