Desmond Elliot, a Lagos State House of Assembly member, has issued a public apology to President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Elliot made the statement during an interview on TVC’s “Your View” on Friday, where he explained that any disagreement between them may have come from misunderstandings and not deliberate actions.
He also said he remains committed to unity within the ruling party and to delivering development in his constituency.
The apology comes after earlier political friction linked to the crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Gbajabiamila had claimed that he nearly lost his position as Chief of Staff following allegations connected to Elliot’s alleged involvement in the Assembly leadership dispute.
Gbajabiamila also said President Tinubu had confronted him with intelligence reports suggesting Elliot played a role in the speakership controversy.
Speaking on the TV programme, Elliot said his political journey was shaped under the guidance of Gbajabiamila, whom he described as a senior figure and mentor.
He noted that disagreements can happen in politics, especially where emotions are involved.
He said: “The Gbaja this and Gbaja that of the world. My own baba. I know you’re upset, and I want to say I’m sorry in front of everyone. 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.”
He apologised directly, saying he respected Gbajabiamila deeply and asked for forgiveness if any of his actions caused hurt.
“He might be upset over something or whatever it was. I’m human. 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 his apology to the “matriarch of Surulere,” whom he described as a mother figure, saying he regretted any offence caused.
He said, “To the matriarch of Surulere, Mama, I’m sorry if I’ve offended you, but I’ll keep the party strong.
“My scorecard is there for everyone living in Surulere, and I’ll never let you down if given the opportunity to serve you again.”
Despite the apologies, he maintained that he remains focused on supporting his party and continuing his work in Surulere, adding that his achievements in the constituency speak for themselves.
“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 added.
The Lagos Assembly leadership crisis, which involved internal disagreements within the All Progressives Congress, had earlier caused tension before being settled through political intervention.
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