RismadarVoice Reporters, May 15, 2026
Popular Nollywood actor-turned-politician, Desmond Elliot has apologised to former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, amid reports of a political rift linked to the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis.
Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, made the remarks while addressing supporters as he declared his intention to seek a fourth term in office.
The lawmaker dismissed rumours of a fallout with Gbajabiamila, describing him as a compassionate leader and political mentor whose support has shaped his political journey.
“I don’t have any issue with him. Our leader is a compassionate leader, a leader of thought. We are children. Children sometimes err. If I have erred in any way, my leader, I am sorry,” Elliot said.
He appealed for understanding and another opportunity to continue serving his constituency, stressing the importance of continuity and experience in legislative representation.
The apology comes amid growing political tension in Surulere following opposition to Elliot’s fourth-term ambition by some stakeholders under the aegis of the Surulere Accountability Forum, who accused him of underperformance after three terms in office.
The controversy also follows recent comments by Gbajabiamila, who disclosed that he nearly lost his position as Chief of Staff during the Lagos Assembly speakership crisis involving Mudashiru Obasa because of allegations linking Elliot to the political unrest.
According to Gbajabiamila, President Bola Tinubu had confronted him over intelligence reports suggesting Elliot was involved in moves to destabilise the Lagos Assembly during the impeachment saga. The Chief of Staff said he defended Elliot and urged him to distance himself from the crisis publicly.
Despite the controversy, Elliot maintained that there is no rift between him and Gbajabiamila, insisting that he remains loyal to the APC leader and committed to serving the people of Surulere.
