Desmond Elliot, a Nollywood actor 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 engagements.
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 unrest related to the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis, in which Gbajabiamila disclosed that he almost lost his presidency because of accusations related to Elliot’s political involvement.
President Bola Tinubu allegedly confronted Gbajabiamila over intelligence reports that implied Elliot was involved in the Assembly speakership struggle, a claim 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 speculated that emotions and miscommunications may 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 knew about politics as a child,” he remarked.
Human error in political relationships cannot be completely ruled out, he continued.
Forgiveness is divine; making mistakes is human. So if I’ve offended you in any way, I’m sorry, my dad,” he said.
Additionally, Elliot apologized to the “matriarch of Surulere,” expressing regret for any offense he may have caused.
“I apologize if I offended you, Mama, the matriarch of Surulere,” he said.
He insisted that he is still committed to advancing the party and carrying out his mandate in spite of the apology.
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 involved leadership conflicts within the All Progressives Congress—had caused internal conflicts.
