The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has sacked his Special Assistant on Forestry (Central Senatorial District), Adeboye Taofiq Ewenla, over a N30million bribery allegation levelled against him.
The Ondo State timber traders had alleged that Adeboye Taofiq Ewenla, popularly known as Adedibu, a Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Forestry (Ondo Central), demanded a N30million bribe before they would be allowed to operate.
Adedibu, who represents Ondo Central Senatorial District in his capacity as the governor’s aide, is alleged to have issued the demand on the governor’s orders.
It was learnt that the accusation sparked outrage among the traders who geared up for a mass protest against the state government.
However, Aiyedatiwa, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday ordered that a probe be conducted into the allegations, adding that the sack took an immediate effect.
Aiyedatiwa, who disclosed that Ewenla would soon be replaced, stated that the activities of everyone manning the forest reserves across the state would be looked into.
He said, “The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has dismissed from office the Special Assistant on Forestry (Central Senatorial District), Mr. Adeboye Taofiq Ewenla, with immediate effect.
“This followed allegations of bribery and intimidation levelled against Mr. Ewenla by some timber merchants in the state. Governor Aiyedatiwa also 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. The Governor urged all political appointees to conduct themselves in line with the provisions of the law and rules guiding their duties.”
