- Timber contractors gear up for mass protest against government
- Accuse Aiyedatiwa’s administration of exploiting the people
A brewing scandal is unfolding in Ondo State, with timber traders alleging that Adeboye Taofiq Ewenla, popularly known as Adedibu, a Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Forestry (Ondo Central), demanded a N30 million bribe before they would be allowed to operate.
The accusation has sparked outrage among the traders, who are now gearing up for a mass protest against the state government.
Adedibu, who represents Ondo Central Senatorial District in his capacity as the governor’s aide, is alleged to have issued the demand on the governor’s orders. In a leaked telephone conversation obtained by Starnews NG, the aide reportedly gave the traders an ultimatum: either pay the sum or face being pushed out by competitors backed by the government.
The traders expressed disbelief at the demand, with one merchant reportedly telling Adedibu that such an amount was unrealistic, as their profits do not reach that level in a year.
Adedibu, however, was said to have responded aggressively, criticising the traders for not coming forward to negotiate sooner and insisting that no operations would be allowed unless the payment was made.
A member of the timber traders’ union, speaking anonymously, condemned the demand as “criminal and oppressive.” He further accused the Aiyedatiwa administration of exploiting the people, saying, “We are struggling to survive under harsh policies, and now they want to extort us with outrageous demands.”
The traders are now mobilising for action, with protests being planned to resist what they see as a corrupt demand from the state government. Some have hinted that other forms of resistance may follow if the situation is not addressed.
The allegations have cast a shadow over Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration, as calls grow for transparency and accountability in dealings with the state’s forestry sector.
Efforts by Starnews NG to reach Adedibu for his reaction were futile, as calls made to him three times were neither answered nor returned.
Play the Leaked Audio Tape below:
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