Ekiti State government seals two houses in Ado Ekiti believed to belong to Fayose

EKITI State's new government has seized several buildings believed to belong to former governor Ayo Fayose claiming that the buildings lacked approved plans and the necessary construction permits.

Earlier this month, Governor Fayemi took over from Governor Fayose after a fierce and bitter gubernatorial contest and since leaving office, the former governor has been involved in a spat with the Economic and Financial crimes Commission. According to the Ekiti State government, the erection of the buildings contravened the laws guiding urban renewal regulations.

Yesterday, the twin duplexes, located at the Government Reservation Area in Ado Ekiti were sealed through a document from the ministry of works attached to the gates. Dated October 18, 2018, the document ordered the contractors to suspend work on the two sites.

Signed by the director of urban and regional planning in the ministry, the document said: “It was discovered during inspection by the  inspectorate staff of our ministry that a residential building by you at GRA has no approved plan/permit for the site or bring same to our office to get certification for the erection. You are hereby ordered to suspend the use of the building premises until approved plan is submitted for clearance.”

However, Idowu Adelusi, the chief press secretary to former Governor Fayose, Adelusi, said his principal knew nothing about the building, adding if the government had documents linking him to the construction, they should present them. He said the sealing was a vindictive action and a minor issue like that would not normally be worthy of the government’s attention.

Mr Adelusi said: “The property in question does not belong to Fayose. Fayemi’s government should produce evidence linking the former government to the property.

“Fayose has said he was ready for probe  and that he will appear in person before any panel set up by Fayemi, so, why the desperation? Our advise is that Fayemi should place a high premium on the payment of the workers’ salary arrears since N30bn is already in his custody released by the federal government and not embark on witch hunting or disparaging his predecessor.

"The money given to him should not be used to fund the election petition filed against his predecessor. He should hurry up to do all he could  for the benefit of common Ekiti people because time is not on his side.”