Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has said physical disability is not an excuse for musician, Yinka Ayefele, to break the law.
The governor said this in an interview with BBC News Yoruba in response to public outcry over the demolition of the singer’s Music House on Sunday.
The building reportedly estimated at N800 million was located in Ibadan.
It housed the musician’s Fresh FM, which some considered critical of the Ajimobi government.
The government, however, said the building contravened the state’s building laws of the state, and Ajimobi said demolishing it was the right thing to do.
Ajimobi’s statement to BBC in Yoruba roughly translates to: “Just like the house they said we demolished, that man didn’t obey the law, now. People are now saying because he’s physically challenged; so if one is physically challenged, then he should break the law?
“They said he employed people, are armed robbers not employers of labour too? Should we now say because armed robbers employ people, they should continue to rob and terrorise others?
“We shall pity them… But we have to obey the law.”
Ajimobi’s position contradicts that of the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Ishaq Modibbo-Kawu, who described the demolition as a worrisome development which did not speak well of the state government.
Speaking with NAN, Modibbo-Kawu said: “The development is worrisome because for all it is worth, the broadcast outfits are playing a big role in reducing unemployment, especially in this situation where many young Nigerians are idle.
“They also play social, informational, educational and entertaining roles in the society. Such development does not speak well of the government and has a negative effect on the nation, especially at a point when more broadcasting outfits are influencing the social space in the country.
“In this case particularly, there are so many issues that can be weaved up negatively by people. We hope that as we move forward, we will be able to find a solution to the situation.”
