Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has dismissed his Special Assistant on Forestry (Central Senatorial District), Mr. Adeboye Taofiq Ewenla, following allegations that he demanded a N30 million bribe from timber merchants in the state.
Ewenla was reportedly caught in a recorded telephone conversation, demanding the payment before allowing the merchants to operate in Ondo’s forests.
The recording was sent to Governor Aiyedatiwa after the merchants, frustrated by the demand, decided to take action.
In the conversation, Ewenla allegedly told the timber traders not to begin any operations without first paying the bribe.
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed Ewenla’s dismissal in a statement, citing accusations of bribery and intimidation.
Adeniyan added that Governor Aiyedatiwa has ordered an investigation into the activities of those responsible for managing the state’s forest reserves to ensure accountability and transparency.
“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,” the statement reads in parts.
(Nation)
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