The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council is highly disturbed by the demolition of the Music House of Fresh FM 105.9, Ibadan today by the Oyo State Government.
The NUJ in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Union, Comrades Adewumi Faniran and Bola Ogunlayi says it is particularly worried that the exercise had to be carried out when the matter is before a court of competent Jurisdiction.
The Union expressed concern about what the Fate of Journalists and other Media workers of the establishment would be, not to mention the great loss that would bedevil the owner of the organization.
As the fourth estate of the realms and believers in the rule of law, Oyo State NUJ expected that the court would have been left to take a definite decision on the issue of demolition before it was carried out.
The Oyo State Council therefore calls on the Government to ensure that no matter what, it comes to the aid of Fresh FM which has been a pride of Ibadan in particular and Oyo State as a whole,by relocating them to another site and ensure smooth take off of their operations once again.
Also ,Barrister Kayode Ajulo an Abuja based human right lawyer in his reaction said ” Pray Mr. Yinka Ayefele, the owner of Music House obtained injunction restraining the Gov. Ajimobi’s Oyo State Government from demolishing his property.
” An injunction is an equitable remedy in the form of a court order that compels a party to do or refrain from specific acts. A party that fails to comply with an injunction faces criminal or civil penalties, including possible monetary sanctions and even imprisonment. They can also be charged with contempt of court.”
“In the absence of the injunction and in the face of the demolition of the Music House which was done at the early hour of today as well as considering the building permit purportedly obtained by Mr. Ayefele about 10 years ago, it is my humble opinion that the Oyo State Government must adequately compensate Mr. Ayefele for his loss of full usage of his property.”
” Also note that in the event the State Government refused to come to terms with the beloved musician and compensate him accordingly, he is empowered and has right to seek court intervention to ensure that his right and interest are protected in the property.”
