The demolition of N800 million Music House belonging to popular musician, Yinka Ayefele, in Ibadan has finally divided Oyo State government.
While the government’s lawyer, Yomi Alliyu, denied the involvement of the state government in the demolition exercise, the Special Adviser to the Oyo State governor on Physical Planning and Development Control, Waheed Gbadamosi, admitted that it was the government that demolished Ayefele’s Fresh FM building.
Barrister Alliyu told the State High Court, presided by Justice Iyabo Yerima on Monday August 20, that the state has no hand in Ayefele’s misfortune.
“My clients are men of honour that respect rule of law and constituted authority and will have no reason to demolish the said property,” Alliyu told the court.
However, speaking at a press conference in Ibadan, Gbadamosi, said the government gave ample opportunity for Music House to regularise its building plan.
Gbadamosi said the organisation was duly informed through several correspondences, adding that the action of the government to demolish the building was not politically motivated.
The aide added that it was established during a visit to the building that it encroached into the sight distance of the Y junction along Lagelu Estate, stressing that a canteen, toilets, store and powerhouse, which were not in the plan submitted, were attached to the wall fence.
He added that the mast erected and staircase on site were not included in the plan submitted, noting that the basement of the plan which was meant for car park had also been converted.
Gbadamosi said that a letter was sent to Music House on June 29, 2018, to submit a fresh building plan application that will reflect the existing structures on site and regularise the anomalies.
He alleged that the radio house deliberately ignored the letter until the demolition notices were sent on Aug. 13, 2018, based on the earlier request for the submission of AS-Built Plan for approval.
Gbadamosi reemphasised that government’s action was not based on sentiments or witch-hunting, saying contravention notices had been served to different organisations in the state since June 14, 2017.
He insisted that the building plan from Music House deviated from the approved plan, adding that “this made the approval null and void because deceitful information was given to the approving authority.”
