The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) 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, 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 building belonging to the popular musician was demolished in the early hours of Sunday by the state government for allegedly contravening its town planning laws, notwithstanding the many calls that a concessional waiver be given by the Oyo government.
Reacting, the council expressed concern over the fate of journalists and other media workers in the establishment as well as the loss suffered by the owner of the broadcast outfit.
The statement reads in part, “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.
“The state government should ensure that it comes to the aid of Fresh FM which has been a pride of Ibadan in particular and Oyo State.’’
The council urged the government to relocate the station to another site and ensure the smooth take-off of its operations.
