Ondo government fires an aide over alleged involvement in bribery

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dismissed one of his Special Assistants, Adeboye Ewenla, for alleged involvement in bribery.

Ewenla, the Governor’s Special Assistant on Forestry, was accused by timber traders in the state.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday, the governor’s action took effect immediately.

The statement read: “Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has dismissed the Special Assistant on Forestry (Central Senatorial District) with immediate effect.

“This followed allegations of bribery and intimidation against Mr Ewenla by some timber traders. Governor Aiyedatiwa also ordered an investigation into the activities of those saddled with the responsibility of managing forest reserves in the state.

“A replacement for Mr Ewenla will be announced in due course. The Governor urged all political appointees to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of the law and the rules governing their duties.”

However, Ewenla denied the accusation in a statement, saying it was a plot to tarnish his image.

I would like to categorically state that the allegation is false and the entire matter was orchestrated to tarnish my image as I was considered a major stumbling block to illegal activities in government forest reserves.

“The Ondo State Government had already banned deforestation of any kind and prevented them from operating there. Before they can operate, they have to pay a certain amount to the state treasury. The money being talked about is intended for the government. It should not be deposited into my account,” he said.