A private motor park owner recentiy demolished by Edo State government at Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, Abiodun Ayemoba, has appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to reconsider opening the park for his use on compassionate ground.
Ayemoba said the demolition of the motor park which is the first of its kind, has plunged his transport company, Abiodun Motors, into financial distress, noting that he is a victim of circumstances. and is calling on the government to review the action and relocate the park to him on compassionate grounds.
It would be recalled that following the alleged killing of a man simply identified as Jogodo by suspected cultists at the park, the State Government ordered the demolition of the Jattu motor park.
Two transport outfits, namely; the National Union of Road Transport Workers in conjunction with the Road Transport Employers Association, and a private company, Abiodun Motors, are located within the park.
It was gathered that the Union has since been relocated, whereas Abiodun Motors remains grounded with workers lamenting job losses.
Meanwhile, the demolition of the park has generated divergent opinions, with many arguing that the government should have investigated the employer’s involvement before ordering an outright demolition of the park, whereas, others are of the opinion that sealing the park for investigation would have been a better approach.
Speaking on the development, the embattled owner of the private park, Mr. Abiodun Ayemoba, said he obtained a formal approval from Etsako West local government council in December 2022, and also registered the park with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
He said he built the park to specification, installed security lights, engaged a security outfit which made it a safe heaven for late-night passengers, and also introduced the use of Jeeps for commercial transportation.
Ayemoba further presented a letter signed by the Head of Department, Internal Revenue, Mr. Umora Jackson, on behalf of the Head of Local Government Administration and the Acting Chairman, after paying ₦300,000, subject to annual renewal.
The embattled park operator who alleged that the facility’s success has attracted unjustified suspicion, as he employed 15 direct staff, with about 40 drivers using the park daily, while some mistaked him for a Yoruba man who had come to reap where he did not sow.
Commenting on the killing, Mr. Ayemoba confirmed that the victim, Jogodo, was one of his pioneer staff, who hailed from Agenebode in Etsako East LGA but resided in Auchi.
He described him as a Muslim and responsible family man with no known cult affiliation until allegations surfaced that he was killed by gang members.
“I was not at the park when it happened. I got a call and I immediately contacted the Auchi Police Division, and they responded swiftly and evacuated the body to the mortuary,” he said.
He, however, did not rule out the involvement of a “third force” who might be uncomfortable with his business growth.
“I commend the government’s efforts to end cultism and kidnapping, but I am not involved in cultism and do not support it. I am just a victim of circumstances.
“I come from a modest background. My journey began as a commercial motorcyclist, progressed to driving, and has grown into employing others,” he added.
Meanwhile, it was observed that despite collecting revenue from transporters, Etsako West Local Government Council has shown no concern about activities at motor parks within its jurisdiction.
When contacted for clarification, the Secretary to the Etsako West Local Government Council, Zikanene Oyakhamoh, denied knowledge of the park’s tenants.
Besides, the Head of Internal Revenue of the Council, who asked not to be named, also declined to disclose the annual due Abiodun Motors pays to the LGA.
He noted that the wreckage from the demolition remains uncleared at the site.
