A Nigerian government aide has been dismissed following allegations of demanding a ₦30 million bribe, as authorities continue to crack down on corruption within public office.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has terminated the appointment of his Special Assistant on Forestry for the Central Senatorial District, Mr. Adeboye Taofiq Ewenla, after allegations surfaced that he solicited a N30 million bribe from timber merchants in the state.
Ewenla was allegedly captured in a recorded phone conversation, insisting on payment prior to permitting the merchants to conduct their activities in Ondo’s forests.
The merchants, frustrated by the demand, decided to take action and sent the recording to Governor Aiyedatiwa.
During the conversation, Ewenla reportedly instructed the timber traders to refrain from starting any operations until they had paid the bribe.
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Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, confirmed in a statement that Ewenla was dismissed due to allegations of bribery and intimidation.
Adeniyan mentioned that Governor Aiyedatiwa has initiated an investigation into the actions of those overseeing the state’s forest reserves to ensure accountability and transparency.
A successor for Mr. Ewenla will be announced in the near future.
The statement indicates that the Governor encouraged all political appointees to act in accordance with legal provisions and the rules governing their responsibilities.
