The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dismissed one of his special assistants, Adeboye Ewenla, for .for alleged involvement in bribery.
Ewenla, who was the governor’s Special Assistant on Forestry, was accused by timber merchants in the state.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday, the action of the governor took immediate effect.
The statement read, ” 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. 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.”
Ewenla however, in a statement, denied the allegation, saying it was a plot to tarnish his image.
” 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.
“Ondo State Government had already banned deforestation of any kind and prevented them from operating there. Before they can operate, they have to pay a certain amount to the government coffers. The money being talked about is meant for the government. It is not to be paid into my account,” he said.
