NEWS: Oyo State Government Criticized By NBA,NBC,Others Over Demolition Of Ayefele’s Radio Station.

The Nigerian Bar Association has criticized the Oyo state government for demolishing Music House, a building which housed Ayefele’s radio station, Fresh FM.“Even if there is no express order of court restraining the government, the fact that parties are already in court over the matter is a sufficient reason why the government must stay action,” the NBA said.

Recall that Ayefele last week approached a court to seek an order restraining the state government from demolishing the building but the case was adjourned.The gospel music artiste had earlier pleaded with his fans not to take laws into their hands; urging them not to fight government agents who pulled down the house.

“Don’t cause trouble. Don’t even touch the caterpillar parked in front of the music house. I beg of you all. The government has done what they deemed fit.”“Fresh FM continues despite the demolition. So far we don’t do anything against the government laws and we’ve not breached the broadcast regulations. Let God judge.

“If something pains one and you can’t fight, you leave everything to God. Our programmes will surely continue. Thanks to the digital age,” Ayefele said on yesterday evening during the commencement of online broadcasting of the demolished radio station.

However, Oyo state government reacting to public outcry on the demolition said it would brief members of the public on the matter on Monday.

Speaking through the state Commissioner for Information Toyin Arulogun said, “The question is, can I influence the decision of the executive, that of government agencies and that of the state government as a whole?” he said adding that the state government would formally address journalists on its stance on the demolition on Monday.

It was gathered that the demolished building has generated controversies in recent weeks, due to Oyo State Government’s insistence that it contravened urban and physical planning laws of the state.

“The building is structurally defective and poses danger or constitutes a nuisance to the occupier or the general public”, government had said prior to the demolition.Immediately after the demolition, friends and well wishers of Fresh FM took to the street to show their displeasure over government’s decision to demolish a business worth 800 million naira.

Among the sympathizing fans were politicians and industry leader who urged Yinka Ayefele to remain strong despite the setback.

PDP governorship aspirant, Seyi Makinde, said, “I had to personally visit the station to confirm the incident because I believe that no government under civilian rule could contemplate, not to talk of actually, bulldozing a popular radio station under flimsy excuse.

“My visit was beyond politics, as the sad development endangers freedom of speech, which is the rock upon which true democracy is built.”Ayefele thanked the people for their support and appreciated Nigerian Broadcasting Commission for sending its representative to witness the demolition.