The Oyo State chapter of the Action Democratic Party, ADP, has condemned the demolition of Music House owned by by popular Gospel musician, Dr Yinka Ayefele.
According to the party in a statement by its spokesperson, Lawal Akindele, the demolition is not only illegal but wicked. The party added that the action will discourage potential investors from considering the state.
The Oyo State government had around 6 am on Sunday brought down a large part of the building over alleged contravention of building law.
The government had, last Monday, issued the owner a 3-day ultimatum.
Ayefele had approached the court last Wednesday to restrain the government from demolishing the structure which is put at the cost of N800 million.
The statement reads: “We woke up to the news of the demolition of the Music House. At first, we doubted it as the case was already in court. We later confirmed after some of our members, who visited the structure, case back.
“For us, we see the demolition as an act of cowardice. We are in a democracy. And the constitution we operate is clear on issues like this; whenever there is a dispute between two people, especially with government, the court is the best place to seek redress. Dr Yinka Ayefele followed due process and the court had fixed tomorrow, Monday 20th, 2018 for hearing. The demolition, especially at an odd hour, as undemocratic. Just like Dr Ayefele had alleged, it is political.
Ayefele had claimed that the state government attempted to get the management of the radio management to change some of its presenters owing to what he considered as their ‘tough’ stance on the government’s policies.
The statement reads further: “The building was not built yesterday. It has been there for close to ten years. Governor Abiola Ajimobi has been in government for over seven years while Fresh FM is close to three years. There are some questions that need answers. Does the owner violate any building law? If yes, why did it take the government ten years to act? Has the owner been fulfilling his obligations to the government? If yes, why have they been collecting tenement rates and other dues from him? Can we say the government’s agents were blind four years ago when dualisation project was done in the area?
“If at all the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration is hell bent on demolishing the structure because it considers some of Fresh FM’s programmes too critical, they should have waited for the court action.
“This action, especially in a state where government’s response to unemployment is that pathetic, would discourage investors from coming. Dr. Yinka Ayefele has under his employ, more than 150 people who go home with millions of naira every month. This is apart from those who depend on these salary earners for their ends meet.
“If job creators/investors like him cannot be protected, what about those who are thinking of coming? This is someone who didn’t allow his incapacitation to render him useless; someone whose grass-to-grace has motivated many people. It will interest you to know that many young entrepreneurs see Dr Yinka Ayefele as a role model.
Revealing how former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala accomodated Splash FM during his reign, the ADP said the Ajimobi administration would continue to be remembered for bad things.
“Splash FM, the first private radio station in the state, operated from Premier Hotels for years. Despite being one of the owners of the structure, Oyo State, under Alao-Akala, didn’t attempt to eject the station despite its obvious criticisms of the government’s policies. Alao-Akala tolerated the owner.
This, the party said, is one of the reasons why the state needs a compassionate leader.
While urging residents and lovers of Ayefele to keep calm and not take laws into theirs hands, ADP advised the people to be determined. “The satanic APC administration has few months to use in power. Let’s endure. They will soon be booted out and your government, the ADP government,one with human face, will come,” the statement added.
