Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa dismissed Adeboye Taofiq Ewenla, his Special Assistant on Forestry, due to allegations of a bribery demand of N30 million.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa ordered an immediate investigation into the accusations against Ewenla, who allegedly demanded the sum from timber traders operating in the state.
The aide was said to have threatened the traders with expulsion from the forest reserves if they failed to comply.
The bribery allegation surfaced through a leaked audio recording, where Ewenla reportedly insisted that the demand was backed by the governor’s orders. Outraged by this, the timber traders threatened to stage protests, accusing Ewenla of exploiting his position.
Reacting to the allegations, Aiyedatiwa expressed dismay, stressing that Ewenla’s actions did not reflect the state’s values.
He assured that the activities of officials responsible for overseeing the state’s forest reserves would be thoroughly scrutinized, and Ewenla’s replacement would be announced soon.
“The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has dismissed the Special Assistant on Forestry (Central Senatorial District), Mr. Adeboye Taofiq Ewenla, with immediate effect due to allegations of bribery and intimidation brought against him by timber merchants in the state,” the statement read.
Aiyedatiwa also reminded all political appointees to act in accordance with the law, emphasizing the importance of integrity and accountability in public office.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, stating that any misconduct within his administration would be swiftly addressed.