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Gospel musician Ayefele drags Oyo govt to court

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Gospel musician Ayefele drags Oyo govt to court

Embattled gospel musician Yinka Ayefele has dragged the Oyo State government to court over its proposed move to demolish his radio station which the government said contravened the state’s planning laws.

The popular musician reportedly dragged the state government before a High Court in Ibadan seeking an order restraining the government from demolishing the property which is located on the Lagos-Ibadan by-pass in Challenge area of Ibadan.

Ayefele’s lawyer Olayinka Bolanlen in an ex parte motion, said due process was followed in the construction of the Music House, the building housing the radio station of the musician known as Fresh FM 109.5, Ibadan.

While addressing the court presided over by Justice Iyabo Yerima, Ayefele’s lawyer said approvals were obtained from the state’s relevant departments and agencies.

Before adjourning the matter till August 20 for hearing of the ex parte motion, Justice Yerima ordered the claimant to ensure service of the court process on the respondent.

Read also: Why govt marked gospel singer Yinka Ayefele’s radio station for demolition

She held that there were “serious issues to be determined” in the suit filed.

Reacting to governments claim that his building contravened the state’s planning laws, Ayefele in a statement said the building did not contravene any law because it has the necessary approvals from relevant government agencies.

The statement by Ayefele over the matter reads thus in part; “Our attention has been drawn to a purported press release signed by Mr. Toye Arulogun, Commissioner for Information and Culture, Oyo State where he said that the Music House Complex Contravenes Planning laws and is responsible for three fatal accidents that occurred on the road in the last nine months on which the government have received petitions.

“We want to make it clear that Music House followed due process in the construction of the building and got relevant approvals from state departments and agencies associated with lands and buildings.

“Saying that Music House Complex is responsible for three accidents that occurred on the road in the last nine months is just an attempt by the Commissioner to run away from his shadow. How can a reasonable person say that?

“It is not news that the Governor of the state himself said some politicians came to him to demolish the Music House Complex because Ayefele is not in their camp and he also sang against them. We have the Governor on tape, so the Commissioner should look for another excuse,” he said.

 

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