SERAP accuses Ajimobi of executive rascality over demolition of Fresh FM
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has accused the Governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi of executive rascality and strongly condemned the unlawful demolition of Fresh FM building owned by Yinka Ayefele.
It described the forced evictions of residents by the Oyo state government, as a grave violation of fundamental human rights of the affected residents.
The state government early on Sunday morning stormed the Music House belonging to artiste, Yinka Ayefele. Government bulldozers arrived the Challenge Area of Ibadan where the building is located and pulled it down, despite a pending court action to stop the demolition.
SERAP in a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Timothy Adewale said that “this is a gross abuse of powers by the Oyo state government and Governor Ajimobi against a radio station simply doing its job.
The action is politically motivated, patently arbitrary and entirely inconsistent with international human rights standards and national laws.
“The action amounts to executive rascality and seriously undermines the integrity and authority of our courts. This kind of action has no place in a democratic society that is based on the rule of law.”
“The destruction of a radio station on the grounds that the Oyo state government dislikes their work is a textbook case of repression of media freedom and violation of the right to adequate housing.
The authorities must immediately stop the demolition, ensure appropriate repairs of the building and adequate compensation, and guarantee of non-repetition”.
SERAP added it will challenge this violent and reckless destruction of Ayefele’s Fresh FM in court, adding that Nigeria is party to the international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights which requires the state government to refrain from arbitrary forced evictions and arbitrary destruction of resources that individuals and families have invested in building their homes.
