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Oyo Govt counters own lawyer, admits it demolished Ayefele’s Music House

Published

6 years ago

August 20, 2018

The Oyo State Government on Monday countered its own layer ’ s defence that it did not know anything about the Sunday dawn demolition of an N 800 m structure belonging to the ace musician , Yinka Ayefele .After several denials, the government on Monday argued that due process was followed in the demolition of the Music House belonging to the popular musician .

It also said that no court order restrained it from carrying out its “ statutory role in the public interest. ”

Denying culpability in the demolition , the state government, through its counsel , Mr . Yomi Alliyu , had told Justice Iyabo Yerima of the State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan , on Monday , that it was preparing to institute a panel of inquiry to unravel the identity of those who razed the N 800 m edifice.
However , late Monday evening, the Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Physical Planning and Development Control , Mr . Waheed Gbadamosi , claimed at a press conference in Ibadan that government gave ample opportunity for Music House to regularise its building plan .

He further said Ayefele was duly informed through several correspondences , adding that the action of the government to demolish the building was not politically motivated .

Gbadamosi said that it was established during a visit to the building that it encroached into the sight distance of the Y Junction along Lagelu Estate, stressing that a canteen , toilets , store, and powerhouse , which were not in the plan submitted , were attached to the wall fence .

He added that the mast erected and staircase on site were not included in the plan submitted , noting that the basement of the plan which was meant for car park had also been converted .

Gbadamosi said that a letter was sent to Music House on June 29 , 2018 , to submit a fresh building plan application that will reflect the existing structures on site and regularise the anomalies .

He alleged that the radio house deliberately ignored the letter until the demolition notices were sent on August 13 , 2018 , based on the earlier request for the submission of AS – Built Plan for approval

Gbadamosi reiterated that government’ s action was not based on sentiments or a witch – hunt , saying contravention notices had been served to different organisations in the state since June 14 , 2017 .

He insisted that the building plan from Music House deviated from the approved plan , adding , “ this made the approval null and void because a deceitful information was given to the approving authority . ”

( NAN )