Desmond Elliot, a Nollywood star and Lagos lawmaker, has publicly apologized to Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff and alleged political mentor, for possibly offending him during his political activities.
Elliot apologized during a Friday appearance on TVC’s Your View, stating that any miscommunication was inadvertent and reiterating his commitment to party unity and growth in his constituency.
His apology coincides with earlier political tensions related to the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership dispute, when Gbajabiamila disclosed that he almost lost his presidency because of accusations related to Elliot’s political activity.
President Bola Tinubu allegedly addressed Gbajabiamila about intelligence inputs that said Elliot was involved in the Assembly speakership struggle, an accusation he refuted at the time.
Speaking on the show, Elliot claimed that a senior colleague he referred to as his “egbon” helped him grow into politics. He also suggested that emotions and miscommunications might have played a role in previous conflict.
“I’m not saying that the media will appear or that Desmond will beg once more. Yes, since he’s my egbon. And he taught me everything I learned about politics as a child,” he remarked.
Human error in political interactions cannot be completely ruled out, he continued.
“To err is human, to forgive is divine. So I’m sorry, my daddy, if I’ve offended you in any way,” he said.
Additionally, Elliot apologized to the “matriarch of Surulere,” expressing sorry for any offense he may have caused.
He added, “To the matriarch of Surulere, mama, I apologize if I have offended you.”
He insisted that he is still committed to advancing the party and carrying out his mandate in spite of the apologies.
However, I will continue to maintain the party’s strength. My scorecard is available to all Surulerians. You are aware of my efforts to improve Surulere,” he continued.
Before being settled by high-level interventions, the Lagos Assembly crisis—which encompassed leadership conflicts within the All Progressives Congress—had caused internal conflicts.
