• This is unfair, personal vendetta, ex-federal Lawmaker, Mike Omogbehin, reacts
  

A former member of Ondo State House of Assembly from Irele Local Government Area in Ondo State, and the Managing Director of Climax Hotel and Bar, Hon. Afolabi Iwalewa, has accused governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of demolishing his Hotel and Bar for political reason.

In an interview with Starnews on Sunday evening, Hon. Iwalewa said Dr. Odebowale Doyin, an Ogun State indigene, and the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duty to the governor, with Dr. Badmus, the Ondo State Commissioner for Physical and Regional Planning, came on Sunday afternoon with a Bulldozer to demolish his hotel and bar (Climax Hotel and Bar) under the directive of the state governor even when the place was under lock and key.

Hon. Iwalewa told Starnews that governor Akeredolu is dealing with him because of his closeness to the State Deputy governor, Barr. Agboola Ajayi, and his friend, Jimmy Odimayo, who wanted to contest the gubernatorial ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) with the governor in the year 2020. 

He also said he is suffering from State attack because he is one of the advocates for Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 2023 presidential election being the Ondo State Deputy President for Tinubu 2023.

According to him: ”they came on November 15, 2019, and asked me to stop work which I did. They carried out a partial demolition that faithful day. Ever since then, the place was under lock and key, but I was shocked this afternoon when I got information that Dr. Odebowale Doyin, an Ogun State indigene, and the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duty to the governor, with Dr. Badmus, the Ondo State Commissioner for Physical and Regional Planning, were there with a Bulldozer to demolish my hotel and bar.”

”Before my very eyes, they carried out this dastardly demolition on behalf of the governor just because I am very close to Barr Agboola Ajayi, and my friend, Jimmy Odimayo, who wanted to be governor in 2020 under the same party with the governor. Another reason for this demolition is my advocacy for Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu for President ahead of 2023 Presidential election in Nigeria being the Deputy State President of Tinubu 2023 in Ondo State”, he said.

However, Mr. Segun Ajiboye, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor did not respond to his chat, text message, neither did he pick his call when the governor’s reaction was sought.

Meanwhile, a former federal lawmaker from Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, Hon. Mike Omogbehin, has reacted to the incident by condemning the demolition of Climax Hotel and Bar, describing the act unfair, and unnecessary personal vendetta.

Omogbehin, through his Facebook page, wrote:

”This is most unfair!!!! Today you’ve rendered over 15 people jobless, you’ve dampened the zeal of would be entrepreneurs in Ondo State. We can’t sustain existing government enterprise yet, we viciously clamp down on SMES for personal vendetta. Were the buildings you brought down today blocking drainage?”

”Were they carrying out any criminal operations or harbouring dissidents? Of course, we knew that discerning voices occasionally converge in that building, should that be enough reason for you to destroy a young man’s investment? Is it correct that you’re targeting some young Ikale entrepreneurs?”

”I learnt you also brought down the walls of Iye-oma building, recently acquired by another young Ikale entrepreneur. Must you bring down building to moderate business activities.

”Your Excellency, Dr. Doyin Odebowale would leave for his state after (8) years, we shall remain here with you, by the special grace of God. Who said Afolabi can’t be governor, he was a Member, House of Assembly in Ondo State. Power is transient!”

Starnews reports that Climax Hotel and Bar is located at Agbesua Street, Off Oda Road, Akure, Ondo State