Fresh FM Demolition: Contrasting position in court by Oyo government

Tuesday, 21 August 2018 05:53

Fresh FM Demolition: Contrasting position in court by Oyo government

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In a radical contrast to the explanation at a media conference by its functionaries, the Oyo State government yesterday denied demolishing the Music House at the law court.

The state government, through its counsel , Yomi Alliyu , made the denial before Justice Iyabo Yerima of the State High Court , Ring Road , Ibadan , on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Alliyu appeared for both Abiola Ajimobi and Bola Abimbola, the governor and attorney-general of Oyo State, respectively.

Messrs Ajimobi and Abimbola are the first and second defendants in a case instituted by Mr Ayefele against the defendants.

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

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.

NAN reports that Mr 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 Mr Ayefele ’s counsel, Olayinka Bolanle, informed the court that the respondents had gone ahead to demolish the structure in spite of a court restraining order.

He said, “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, August 19 , went to the property in dispute and demolished it.”

The claimant ’s counsel urged the court to reiterate its earlier order restraining the defendants from further demolition of the rest of the structure pending the determination of the suit.

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

Virtually all media reported how the Music House building of Mr Ayefele was demolished on Sunday.

The building houses Mr Ayefele’s Fresh FM.

The demolition was condemned by the Nigeria Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Journalists and many other Nigerians.

The Oyo State Government and Mr Ayefele have been locked in a war of words over the location of the building in recent weeks.