Aiyedatiwa fires assistant over bribery accusations

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, yesterday dismissed his Special Assistant on Forestry (Central Senatorial District), Hon Adeboye Taofiq Ewenla, over a N30 million bribery allegation leveled against him.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa ordered that Ewenla’s resignation be effective immediately.

LEADERSHIP learned that Ewenla, in a leaked audio, demanded N30 million from timber traders operating in the state forest and threatened to stop them from operating in the forest reserves if they did not meet his demand.

Ewenla’s threat infuriated timber traders, who vowed to protest following an alleged claim by the aide that he was acting on Aiyedatiwa’s orders.

However, Governor Aiyedatiwa ordered an investigation into the allegation and said the aide would be replaced soon.

The governor further stated that investigations would be conducted into the activities of all those manning the forest reserves in the state.

He said: “The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has immediately dismissed the Special Assistant on Forestry (Central Senatorial District), Mr. Adeboye Taofiq Ewenla.

“This followed allegations of bribery and intimidation against Mr Ewenla by some timber traders in the state. 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.”