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Ayefele is not telling the truth – Oyo govt alleges
OYO state government has reiterated that the demolition of Music House extended building structure housing Yinka Ayefele’s Fresh FM radio station, Ibadan was not based on sentiments, adding that it has nothing against its owner ; but concerned about the safety of lives of its citizenry.
Also, the government said the celebrated gospel music icon, Ayefele is not telling the truth, but only putting up sentiments. It further stated that there was no court injunction granted against the demolition as against the widely circulated falsehood.
The Special Adviser on Media to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state, Mr Tunji Bolaji while responding to TVC news through a telephone call last night disclosed that the government had earlier served the management of Fresh FM notice long ago.
It would be recalled that 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.
According to the governor’s mouthpiece, Tunji, “We gave the management of Fresh FM notice long ago. The first was served on 14th June last year and it was received by one Aderonke Bamiduro. Another one was served on 24th of August, 2017 and it was also received by another person, Adebisi Akinfunmi. Despite all these notices, there was no response from them.
“Oyo state government has nothing against Ayefele’s person; we were concerned about people’s life. The structure was supposed to be an office complex not a radio station. What we did ask them to do is create a setback which they refused to comply with. Crying wolf in the name of sentiment does no good.”
Mr Tunji added that there were other people in Ibadan that were affected. “Chief Kola Daisi’s two buildings were affected, same to Glo office in the area. “Meanwhile, the demolition carried out there today only affected the Music House not the whole building. They are still transmitting; Yinka Ayefele is only putting up sentiment, he wasn’t saying the truth. Having given his organization a whole year to address where they were operating, and on their part not yielding until action was taken, that shouldn’t have brought about different lies being told against the state government.
“There was no court injunction. The man only rushed to court last week Tuesday or Thursday. There was no hearing, and if there would be, that might be tomorrow, Monday. Our concern is the protection of lives and properties. The building according to plan was supposed to be an office complex not a radio station with traffic that could endanger people’s life because of the nature of the area”, he explained.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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