The building was demolished on Sunday morning despite a court order restraining the government from doing so
Rights group SERAP has condemned the demolition of Fresh FM building owned by popular gospel singer, Yinka Ayefele.
The government of Oyo state demolished the musician’s property in the early hours of Sunday morning over allegation that the building contravened its Town Planning laws.
But the demolition was carried out despite a court order restraining the government from doing so.
And in its reaction on Sunday by its Deputy Director, Timothy Adewale, SERAP described the demolition as unlawful and a “grave violation of fundamental human rights and contrary to international law.”
The Organization (SERAP) also stated that the action was politically motivated adding that it would be challenged in court.
It, however, insisted that the Oyo State Government should ensure appropriate repairs of the building and adequate compensation.
Adewale said, “This is a gross abuse of powers by the Oyo State government and governor Ajimobi against a radio station simply doing their job. The action is politically motivated, patently arbitrary and entirely inconsistent with international human rights standards and national laws.
“The action amounts to executive rascality and seriously undermines the integrity and authority of our courts. This kind of action has no place in a democratic society that is based on the rule of law.
“The action amounts to executive rascality and seriously undermines the integrity and authority of our courts. This kind of action has no place in a democratic society that is based on the rule of law.
“The destruction of a radio station on the grounds that the Oyo state government dislikes their work is a textbook case of repression of media freedom and violation of the right to adequate housing,” the statement read in part.