Adeboye Ewenla, a former aide to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has denied allegations of bribery that led to his dismissal.
Ewenla served as Special Assistant on Forestry for the Central Senatorial District before being sacked by Aiyedatiwa.
The accusations against Ewenla came from timber traders in the state, claiming his involvement in corrupt practices.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in a press statement issued on Wednesday titled: “ALLEGED BRIBE: GOV AIYEDATIWA SACKS AIDE, ORDERS PROBE”, announced Ewenla’s dismissal, stating it was effective immediately.
The statement read, “The Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has dismissed from office the Special Assistant on Forestry (Central Senatorial District), Mr. Adeboye Taofiq Ewenla, with immediate effect.
“This followed allegations of bribery and intimidation leveled against Mr. Ewenla by some timber merchants in the State.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa also ordered a probe into the activities of those saddled with the responsibility of managing forest reserves in the State.
“A replacement for Mr. Ewenla will be announced in due course.
“The Governor urged all political appointees to conduct themselves in line with the provisions of the law and rules guiding their duties.”
However, Ewenla quickly responded, denying the bribery allegations and calling them a plot to damage his reputation.
He believes certain individuals are working against him because he’s a hindrance to their illicit activities in government forest reserves.
Ewenla 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.”
He also highlighted that the Ondo State Government has banned deforestation and unauthorized activities in forest reserves, requiring operators to pay a fee to the government, not his personal account.
Governor Aiyedatiwa took office on December 27, 2023, after the passing of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Aiyedatiwa previously served as deputy governor from 2021 to 2023 and has a background in business and politics, having worked as a commissioner for the Niger Delta Development Commission.
