Alleged Bribe: My Sack Was a Plot to Tarnish Me — Aiyedatiwa’s Ex-Aide

Former Ondo State official, Adeboye Taofeek Ewenla, has debunked allegations of receiving a N30 million bribe, claiming that the accusations were part of a scheme to tarnish his reputation.

The embattled ex-aide, who was recently sacked by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, insists his dismissal was politically motivated, and not linked to any financial misconduct.

Recall that Starnews NG had earlier reported the bribery allegations against Ewenla on Tuesday. Just a few hours later, by Wednesday morning, Governor Aiyedatiwa sacked him and ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.

In a statement he issued on Wednesday, Ewenla described the allegations as baseless, affirming that his removal was orchestrated due to his commitment to curbing illegal activities in the state’s forest reserves.

Ewenla said, “I would like to categorically state that the allegation is false and the whole issue was orchestrated to tarnish my image because I was considered a major stumbling block to illegal activities in government forest reserves.”

According to him, the Ondo State government had banned all forms of deforestation and imposed strict regulations on logging activities.

He clarified that the sum in question was intended for the state’s coffers, not for his personal benefit.

“The money being talked about is meant for the government. It is not to be paid into my personal account. All I was committed to was trying to put sanity into the job. All my activities were directed to increasing the internally generated revenue of the state government,” he added.

Ewenla acknowledged the governor’s decision to relieve him of his duties but emphasised that his only focus had been the betterment of the state’s revenue base.

“I accept the decision of Mr Governor who appointed me and deemed it fit to relieve me. It is, however, important to make this clarification for official reasons,” he concluded.

Ewenla’s statement comes amidst swirling controversy over alleged financial improprieties linked to his former role in the state’s forest management.