A gubernatorial aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has criticised
the recent actions of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the State governor in the Fresh FM saga.
In a statement issued by Seyi Makinde organisation and signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, Makinde said Ajimobi’s actions raise questions which need to be addressed by his administration.
It will be recalled that on Sunday, August 19, agents of the State demolished part of the buildings of Fresh FM station owned by popular gospel musician, Yinka Ayefele. The demolition was carried out at day break because of the claim that the buildings contravened town planning laws.
This was done despite a court case instituted by Ayefele to stop the planned demolition for which a hearing was fixed for Monday, August 20, the day after the demolition.
The State government initially denied that they authorised the demolition and promised to fish out the perpetrators. However, after condemnation from the masses and sundry interests, Governor Ajimobi called a truce on the matter and arranged for a meeting with Ayefele.
Reports have now emerged that Ajimobi has promised that his administration would rebuild the demolished buildings again, at a reception organised to mark the 90th birthday of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, on Sunday, August 26.
Speaking at the event, Ajimobi said that his “administration will take up the responsibility of rebuilding the affected part of the Music House, belonging to popular gospel musician, Yinka Ayefele, because he does not want his political enemies to use that to attack his administration.”
Makinde queried Ajimobi’s promise to rebuild the affected parts of Music House.
“If parts of Fresh FM buildings were built in contravention of town planning laws as alleged, why did Ajimobi promise to rebuild them? What has changed now to prevent the rebuilt buildings from contravening town planning laws? How can a State government act with impunity by disregarding a scheduled court hearing and carrying out a demolition exercise early Sunday morning and then turn around a week later to promise to rebuild the same building?”
“Should scarce public funds be wasted in this manner because of the governor’s ego, at a time when critical sectors of governance are neglected and the State is heavily indebted?” Makinde asked.
Makinde said Ajimobi was treating Oyo State as his personal empire instead of serving the people as he was elected to do. He called on Oyo State people to see the forthcoming gubernatorial election in 2019 as an opportunity to vote a more sensitive and responsible government into power.
