Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has dismissed his Special Assistant on Forestry, Adeboye Ewenla, over allegations of bribery. Ewenla faced accusations from timber traders regarding his involvement in corrupt practices. In a statement released on Wednesday, Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed the dismissal took effect immediately and announced an investigation into the management of the state’s forest reserves.
Adeniyan stated, “Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has dismissed from office the Special Assistant on Forestry (Central Senatorial District) with immediate effect. This followed allegations of bribery and intimidation leveled against Mr. Ewenla by some timber merchants. The governor urges all political appointees to conduct themselves in line with the law and the rules governing their duties.”
In response to his dismissal, Ewenla denied the bribery allegations, asserting they were a calculated attempt to damage his reputation. He stated, “I would like to categorically state that the allegation is false and was orchestrated to tarnish my image because I was considered a major stumbling block to illegal activities in government forest reserves.” Ewenla emphasized that the funds in question were intended for the government, not for personal gain, pointing out that the Ondo State Government has banned deforestation and unauthorized activities in forest reserves.
Ewenla’s statements highlight a growing tension over the management of natural resources in Ondo State and the challenges faced by officials tasked with enforcing regulations.
