The Oyo State Government has denied demolishing Music House, a building belonging to gospel musician, Yinka Ayefele, in Ibadan.
Counsel to the state government, Yomi Alliyu, made the denial on Monday when he appeared before Justice Iyabo Yerima of the State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan.
Mr Alliyu appeared for Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Oyo State Attorney-General, Bola Abimbola, who are first and second defendants in a case instituted by Ayefele.
The counsel said his clients were shocked to read about the reported demolition on Sunday morning.
According to him, the state government is planning to set up a panel of enquiry to find out those responsible for the demolition.
”My clients are men of honour that respect rule of law and constituted authority and will have no reason to demolish the said property,” he told the court.
Alliyu, who had earlier denied that his clients were served with court processes, quickly reversed himself when the judge showed him evidence of actual service on the first and second respondents.
The defence counsel, however, urged the court to adjourn the case pending the time the claimant would be able to file and serve his clients with notice of the ex-parte motion since the court was on vacation.
He said that filing of motion on notice and letter of urgency alone by the claimant was not enough.
But the claimant’s counsel, Olayinka Bolanle, informed the court that the respondents had gone ahead to demolish the structure in spite of a court’s restraining order
“Even after the defendants had become aware of this proceedings, it is sad and unbelievable my Lord that the defendants in the wee hours of Sunday, August 19, went to the property in dispute and demolished it,” he told the court.
The claimant’s counsel urged the court to reiterate its earlier order restraining the defendants from further demolition of the rest of the structure pending the determination of the suit.
Justice Yerima adjourned the case until September 12 for hearing of applications and urged both parties to file necessary processes before the adjourned date.
