Oyo Govt denies demolishing Yinka Ayefele’s Music House
The Oyo State Government on Monday denied any involvement in the demolition of singer Yinka Ayefele’s Fresh FM studio in Ibadan.
The building had been pulled down early Sunday morning, much to the dismay of residents in the area. At the time the building was pulled down, the case on its legality was still in court.
It was widely believed that the state government was behind the demolition, and Ayefele alleged that he was being witch-hunted for speaking against Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration.
NAN reports that during the court hearing today, the Oyo State government through its counsel, Yomi Alliyu, said it was just as shocked about the demolition, and was already preparing to institute a panel of inquiry to unravel those behind it.
Alliyu, representing the first and second defendants – Governor Ajimobi and State Attorney-General, Bola Abimbola – in a case instituted by Ayefele, told Justice Iyabo Yerima of the State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, that his clients were shocked to read about the reported demolition on Sunday morning.
”My clients are men of honour that respect rule of law and constituted authority and will have no reason to demolish the said property,” he told the court.
Alliyu also denied that his clients were served with court processes, before he quickly reversed the claim when the judge showed him evidence of actual service on the first and second respondents.
He pleaded with the court to adjourn the case, but Ayefele’s counsel, Olayinka Bolanle, informed the court that the respondents had gone ahead to demolish the structure in spite of a court’s restraining order.
“Even after the defendants had become aware of this proceedings, it is sad and unbelievable my Lord that the defendants in the wee hours of Sunday, Aug 19, went to the property in dispute and demolished it,” Bolanle told the court.
Ayefele’s counsel urged the court to reiterate its earlier order restraining the defendants from further demolition of the rest of the structure pending the determination of the suit.
Justice Yerima adjourned the case until September 12 for hearing of applications and urged parties to file necessary processes before the adjourned date.
