Why I’m Witch-Hunted By Akeredolu’s Administration – Ex-Lawmaker

The Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration has been accused by a former lawmaker in the state House of Assembly, Afolabi Iwalewa, of witch-hunting for political reasons.

Iwalewa whose property was demolished by the officials of the State Physical Planning and Urban Development noted that he is being witch-hunted because of his closeness with the Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi.

There are speculations that the state Governor and his deputy are not in good terms over the 2020 governorship election in the state.

The former lawmaker stated that the Senior Special Assistant to governor Akeredolu on Special Duties and Strategy, Doyin Odebowale led the demolition team on his structures worth N20 million inside his private property.

Iwalewa while speaking on the demolition accused Odebowale of witch-hunting him for political reasons.

He said, “on the 16th of November, 2019, some officials of the ministry of physical planning and urban development had brought a quit notice that my hotel and bar be demolished because it was illegally built at the place.”

“They threatened me that they were to carry out the demolition immediately and only top government official could ask them to stop.”

“I rushed to see the governor, but I couldn’t gain access to him that day. I went to the deputy governor, I was told he was attending a meeting.”

“I then sent a message to the deputy governor and he replied that I should meet the deputy chief of staff to handle the issue.”

“It was the Deputy chief of staff that called those task force to hold on the demolition. They left and took away some of my items with them.”

“I later got to know that it was Odebowale that was behind the demolition order on my property.

“I made efforts to see Odebowale. in fact, he dropped the call I put through to him. He even said he didn’t need my vote in the next governorship election.

“He also boasted that the deputy governor Agboola Ajayi could not stop him from demolishing my property.

‘This is the party (APC ) that I worked for. I practically became a driver to them, and this is what I got from them. They have rendered all my staff of about 23 jobless now.

“During the last governorship election, I was almost killed by the opposition. While governor Akeredolu was being sworn in, I was in the United States receiving medical treatment on my own bill. When there was no appointment from the government and i was dying of hunger, I began to beg for money from friends before decided to set up this hotel and bar.”

Odebowale while speaking on the allegation said, “It is not part of my responsibilities as the SSA, Special Duties & Strategy, to the Governor to demolish any building or structure. I did not demolish any property along Oda Road for political reasons. I am not a politician. I do not belong to any political party.”

“I can, however, confirm that the said property was used as a brothel and drinking joint in a strictly residential/security zone.”

“The Ministry of Physical and Urban Planning acted when he could not present any document which evidenced approval from any agency.”

“There are reports that the place was harbouring criminals in the State capital, Akure. The so-called owner of the place behaved in a manner which suggested he valued money over human lives.”

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