Oyo Govt Denies Knowledge Of Demolition Of Ayefele’s Music House (Fresh FM)

The Oyo State Government has denied demolishing the music house of musician, Yinka Ayefele, in Ibadan.

The government also expressed shock about the demolition, saying it was preparing to institute a panel of inquiry to unravel the identity of those who razed the N800m edifice, Naija News understands.

Demolition notices were then sent when they failed to respond to the earlier request for the submission of AS — Built Plan for approval.

Tpl Waheed Gbadamosi, Special Adviser, Physical Planning and Development Control 14/14

— Oyo State Government (@oyostategovt) August 20, 2018

The state government, through its counsel, Mr. Yomi Alliyu, made the denial when he appeared before Justice Iyabo Yerima of the State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, earlier today .

Alliyu appeared for the first and second defendants, Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Mr. Bola Abimbola (State Attorney-General), in a case instituted by Ayefele against the defendants.

The counsel said his clients were shocked to read about the reported demolition on Sunday morning.

June 29, 2018: letter was sent to Music house to come and regularize its building plan. /13 pic.twitter.com/4l49KngYGx

— Oyo State Government (@oyostategovt) August 20, 2018

According to him, the state government is planning to set up a panel of enquiry to find out those responsible for the demolition.

“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, who had earlier denied that his clients were served with court processes, quickly reversed himself when the judge showed him evidence of actual service on the first and second respondents. The defence counsel, however, urged the court to adjourn the case pending the time the claimant would be able to file and serve his clients with notice of the ex-parte motion since the court was on vacation.

He said that filing of motion on notice and letter of urgency alone by the claimant was not enough.

But the claimant’s counsel, Mr. Olayinka Bolanle, had 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,” he told the court.

Justice Yerima adjourned the case until September 12 for hearing of applications and urged parties to file necessary processes before the adjourned date.

We discovered the following:
The building size measured 29.7 metres by 21.6 metres on ground as against the 11.925metres by 10.20metres in the approved survey plan/building plan as submitted by Music House. (Meaning that they used up more land than was approved) /10

— Oyo State Government (@oyostategovt) August 20, 2018