Desmond Elliot Kneels, Apologises to Gbajabiamila Over Political Dispute

Lagos State lawmaker and actor Desmond Elliot has publicly apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila, President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, months after tensions emerged between them over political developments in Lagos. Elliot was captured in a video kneeling before Gbajabiamila while asking for forgiveness and expressing regret over his actions. He also appealed for an opportunity to rebuild their relationship. “I’m sorry, I have no excuse, I have nothing other than to say I’m deeply sorry and I am hoping to be cultured in the future,” Elliot said during the apology. The development follows a period of political tension surrounding the Lagos State House of Assembly and Elliot’s relationship with the APC leadership in the state. Gbajabiamila had previously disclosed that he almost lost his position as Chief of Staff to the President because of the political crisis involving Elliot and the Assembly. The controversy was linked to the dispute surrounding former Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Gbajabiamila had said President Tinubu summoned him during the crisis after receiving reports concerning Elliot’s alleged involvement in the political developments at the Assembly. He, however, maintained that he had defended the lawmaker at the time. Elliot subsequently explained that he had signed an impeachment notice against Obasa because he believed the move had presidential backing. He later said he was surprised by the developments surrounding the controversy. The latest apology appears to signal an attempt by Elliot to put the disagreement behind him and restore his relationship with Gbajabiamila, whom he has previously described as his political mentor. The lawmaker’s gesture also comes against the backdrop of his political ambitions in Surulere and his efforts to remain relevant within the APC structure. The disagreement had generated considerable attention because of Gbajabiamila’s long-standing political relationship with Elliot and his influence in Surulere, where Elliot has represented Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly. By publicly kneeling and asking for forgiveness, Elliot appears to have chosen reconciliation over continued political confrontation. His statement that he hoped to be “cultured in the future” further suggested that he accepted responsibility for whatever actions or misunderstandings contributed to the strained relationship. The apology has since generated reactions online, with many Nigerians commenting on the unusual public display of remorse and the political implications of the reconciliation. For Elliot, the gesture could mark a fresh attempt to repair ties with one of the most influential figures in Lagos APC politics and move beyond the controversies that have surrounded the Assembly and his political career.