Yinka Ayefele
It was a painful sight to behold as Fresh FM, an Ibadan-based radio
station owned by veteran musician, Yinka Ayefele, was demolished this
morning. The demolition exercise, began a few minutes past 6’o clock in
the early hours of Sunday inspite of cries by people around the area.
The government said that the building contravened physical planning
rules, while Ayefele claimed that all the necessary papers were
obtained for the construction of the building.
The location of the station has been a subject of controversy in
recent times, with the management of the station and the Oyo State
Government locked in a war of words. The government had warned that it
would take down the building.
Hundreds of sympathisers were seen at the scene of the demolition,
with many of them crying and pleading for the station to be spared.
Earlier, reports said Mr Ayefele has taken the matter to court,
alleging political victimisation. But on Sunday, the demolition exercise
began.
I obtained necessary documents, approval –Yinka Ayefele
Gospel artiste, Yinka Ayefele, has said that he obtained the
necessary documents and due approvals before he constructed his
multi-million naira structure that was razed by the Oyo State Government
around 4.30 on Sunday morning.
In a statement made by Ayefele and obtained by our correspondent,
the musician stated that necessary building permits were obtained from
government for the construction of the building.
He also called on the state Commissioner for Information, Culture
and Tourism, Toye Arulogun, to “refrain from misleading the public”
concerning the reasons for the demolition.
Ayefele reiterated that necessary documents were obtained on the
building and that a discussion relating to the establishment of a
central abattoir by the state government could be behind the demolition.
He added that the FM station belonged to the people and that he had left everything to God.
In an announcement aired on the radio station during its global
update, the management of the radio station called for calm after the
demolition.