Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Thursday, assured popular gospel artiste, Evangelist Yinka Ayefele, whose music studio was demolished on Sunday, that his government would take steps that would put smiles on his face.
At the end of the marathon meeting which ended around 7p.m., Governor Ajimobi reportedly hugged Evangelist Ayefele and exchange pleasantries.
The governor took the decision after a marathon meeting which was summoned by the governor.
The meeting reportedly had no fewer than 10 traditional rulers in attendance. The monarchs were led by the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
When Vanguard called to know the outcome of the meeting, Mr. David Ajiboye, the Public Relations Officer to Ayefele, said the meeting ended on a good note.
Contrary to misconception that they did not obtain necessary documents or reply correspondence from government, he said Governor Ajimobi later discovered that they got all relevant papers.
Ajiboye said: “There were 10 kings at the meeting. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi led other monarchs who are mainly from Oke Ogun area of the state. We showed all our documents to the governor, who agreed with us that we got all relevant papers. After the meeting which the governor called, Governor Ajimobi hugged Ayefele.”
When asked if the case in court would be withdrawn, he said, there was no categorical statement on it but added that a decision would be taken on that later.
Sympathisers welcome peace parley
As a result of the demolition, some angry sympathisers took to the streets and started destroying the posters and billboards of various aspirants of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.
Billboards were either destroyed or defaced in areas like Challenge, Ring road, Orita and other places.
Some aspirants on the platform of the party took exception to the demolition exercise at this time when the 2019 general elections are fast approaching.
BON tackles Oyo govt
Meanwhile, the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, BON, condemned the demolition describing it as not only oppressive but high handed.
In a statement by its Chairman, Mr. John Momoh, BON decried the demolition, describing it “muzzling of the media.”
The statement reads: “As an umbrella body of broadcast stations in the country, we find this action not only oppressive and high handed but a demonstration of flagrant muzzling of the media and press freedom which must be condemned by all civilized minds.
“We ask the media in Nigeria, our international counterparts and all people of goodwill to stand and condemn the action of the government of Oyo State.
BON stands with the Management and staff of Fresh FM and will support the proprietor of the station, Mr. Yinka Ayefele in demanding compensation from the State Government through any legitimate means necessary.
“The era of reckless assault on the media, especially by a democratically elected government is over and must be resisted where ever it rears its head.”
