PDP senator, Olujimi, slams Fayose for demolishing houses

Senator Biodun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti South) has berated Governor Ayo Fayose for the ongoing demolition of houses in Ado-Ekiti.

Olujimi, who is a PDP governorship aspirant in the July 14, governorship election in the state, described physical development as a welcome development, but that such must have human face.

In a statement signed by the Director General of her campaign organisation, Chief Bunmi Olugbade, on Thursday, in Ado Ekiti, Olujimi, who is the Deputy Senate Minority Whip, however, commended Fayose for initiating urban renewal.

Olujimi said, “Any development that will cause the citizens tears and hardship will usually backfire and provoke negative reactions. In advanced democracies, government will do enumeration and evaluation of compensation to be paid to those who will be affected by such demolition, provide temporary accommodation for them and give them enough time to relocate before demolition.”

She noted that the demolition was ill-timed, coming at a time when workers and pensioners were owed arrears of salaries and benefits, appealing to those affected to exercise patience, promising that the PDP government under her leadership would put smiles rather than tears on the faces of the people.

It was gathered that Fayose later on Wednesday paid a visit to some families affected by the demolition in Ijoka area of Ado-Ekiti, where he allegedly said the compensation package was being worked out.

Meanwhile, Ekiti State chapter of APC, yesterday, berated Gov. Fayose over alleged humiliation and disrespectful conduct against the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi.

The monarch, who complained on the demolition; especially in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, had bared his mind to the governor at a meeting held in the monarch’s palace following lamentation by some residents that their houses were demolished without notice.

The governor was alleged to have spoken to the monarch disrespectfully, which video has gone viral.

The APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Taiwo Olatunbosun, alleged that that was not the first time the governor would treat traditional rulers in the state in a manner that did not befit their office.