The demolished radio house
The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on
Sunday condemned the demolition of Yinka Ayefele’s Music House which
houses his Fresh FM 105.9 radio station.
A statement jointly signed by the council’s Chairman, Mr Adewunmi
Faniran, and the Secretary, Mr Bola Ogunlayi, said it was highly
disturbed that the building was demolished when the matter was before a
court of competent jurisdiction.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the building belonging to
the popular musician was demolished at about 4.30 am on Sunday by the
state government for allegedly contravening its town planning laws.
The council expressed concern about the fate of the journalists and
other media workers in the establishment as well as the loss suffered
by the owner of the broadcast outfit.
“As the fourth estate of the realm and believer in the rule
of law, the Oyo State NUJ expects that the court would have been left
to take a definite decision on the issue of demolition before it was
carried out,” it said.
The council called on the state government to ensure that “ it comes to the aid of Fresh FM which has been a pride of Ibadan in particular and Oyo State.’’
It urged the government to relocate the station to another site and ensure the smooth take-off of its operations.
(NAN)