A gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde on Thursday declared that the move by the Oyo State Government to demolish part of Music House, which houses Fresh FM Ibadan, was an attempt to undermine press freedom in the state.
The station, which belongs to a popular Juju musician, Mr. Yinka Ayefele, has been served a three-day notice by the state government with claims that some part of the structure was not approved.
But Makinde, while reacting to the development, insisted that the move “undermines press freedom in the state”.
Makinde, in a statement signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, his media aide, entitled ‘Let Fresh FM be’, a copy of which was made available to DAILY POST in Ibadan, accused the state government of “being haunted by its own shadows”.
He continued, “it was not unexpected because Oyo state government was one of the few states in the federation that failed to implement the Freedom of information Bill.”
The PDP stalwart wondered why the state government that had been collecting tenement rate was now coming out to say the building has not been approved.
He said, “The government has been collecting tenement rate from Fresh FM for years only to come up with a disgraceful excuse to undermine press freedom which is the cornerstone of democracy.
“Government is brought into disrepute when it responds with draconian rule to issues that it perceives are detrimental to its popularity.”
Makinde also said the state government’s reported support for the federal government’s policy on ranching only to later deny the unpopular decision, as a sign of government inconsistencies on most matters concerning the state.
He added that, “The Oyo State Government is one of the few states in Nigeria which failed to implement the Freedom of Information Act.
“Press freedom is the cornerstone of democracy.
“Government must never engage in decisions that pulls down private sector investments in the state without meaningful justification.”
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