The Oyo State Government on Monday denied demolishing the music house of gospel musician , Yinka Ayefele , in Ibadan .
The government also expressed shock about the demolition , saying it was preparing to institute a panel of inquiry to unravel the identity of those who razed the N 800 m edifice.
The state government, through its counsel , Mr. Yomi Alliyu , made the denial when he appeared before Justice Iyabo Yerima of the State High Court , Ring Road , Ibadan , on Monday .
Alliyu appeared for the first and second defendants , Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Mr. Bola Abimbola (State Attorney – General ) , in a case instituted by Ayefele against the defendants.
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 , Mr. Olayinka Bolanle , had 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, Aug 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 parties to file necessary processes before the adjourned date .( NAN )
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