October 9, 2024
An aide to the governor in one of the south west states, was reportedly caught on tape allegedly demanding money from timber merchants before they would be allowed to operate
The Special Assistant on Forestry, Central Senatorial District, to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of Ondo state, Mr. Adeboye Taofiq Ewenla, was sacked for allegedly demanding N30m bribe from the state timber merchants.
.Sources said the telephone conversation was sent to Governor Aiyedatiwa after the merchants opted for a showdown.
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In the conversation with a timber merchant, the source said Ewenla was heard telling the traders not to begin any operation in forest without paying him the N30m bribe.
In a press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the sack followed allegations of bribery and intimidation levelled against Ewenla by some timber merchants in the State.
While the Governor urged all political appointees to conduct themselves in line with the provisions of the law and rules guiding their duties,”the statement said Governor Aiyedatiwa has ordered a probe 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.
