- Demolition of my hotel and bar is politically motivated, Owner insists
The Ondo state government through the Ministry of Physical Planing and Urban Development, has stated that the demolished Climax Hotel and Bar was dismantled by the government because the premises was not used for the purpose of which it was allocated to the owner, Hon. Afolabi Iwalewa, in line with the Ondo state Building Rules and Regulations.
The state Commissioner for Physical Planing and Urban Development, Alhaji Rasheed Badmus, who spoke for the state government, said the demolition was not politically motivated as acclaimed by a former member of Ondo state House of Assembly, and Chief Executive Officer of Climax Hotel and Bar, Hon. Afolabi Iwalewa.
According to him” the premises were meant for residential purpose but later converted to commercial use by him (Hon. Iwalewa), which was contrary to the approval granted him by the Ministry of Lands and Housing.”
”In clear contravention of the approval granted on the use of the premises, Hon. Iwalewa converted the premises to bar and havens for harlots and prostitute thereby attracting people of questionable characters to the area in total disregard for the safety of other landowners in the area”
”Hon. Iwalewa equally cultivated the habits of bringing live bands to play in the area until the hours of 2 :am and 3:am respectively thereby debarring other residents to enjoy a peaceful night rest after toiling in the daytime.”
The commissioner however advised Hon. Afolabi Iwalewa to be cautious in his choice of words and desist from destabilising the existing peace and love between Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi.
He added that Governor Odunayo Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, does not prevent any interested person or persons from contesting for any positions of their choices as the constitution demands”
The Ondo state government also said that the building of Iye-Oma Plaza, at Alagbaka area, acquired by one Show boy, another Ikale man, was not tampered with contrary to speculations.
However, Hon. Iwalewa, has replied the state government, saying that, nobody acquired a property and tag it with a purpose, insisting that the demolition was politically motivated.
He wrote: ”I can decide what I want to do with my property since I am the legitimate owner. There is no residents or landlords who registered any former complaint against our activities as claimed by government.”
”Most of the residents and landlords in the area, who are sociable, cannot do without patronising our business. Even the security personnel patronised us and they never see any criminal activities going on there.”
”Only decent people patronise us. I am a man of honour and a former lawmaker in this state; I can’t allow any indecency, nor operate an illegal business.
”I am a party man that suffered and laboured so hard for the enthronement of this government, but no patronage till date. Unfortunately, all I got now in return is demolition of my outlet and my only means of livelihood without any formal meeting or query. It is all about Ondo 2020 governorship race and Tinibu for 2023”, he said.
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