Ogun Government Denies Political Motive in Planned Demolition of Gbenga Daniel’s Properties

The Ogun State Government has clarified its reasons for issuing demolition and quit notices on properties belonging to Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, insisting that the action is not politically motivated.

Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, had accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of targeting him for demolition orders involving his private residence, The Asoludero Court in Sagamu, as well as Conference Hotels Limited and its annexe. In a statement issued by his media aide, Steve Oliyide, the senator said that officials pasted contravention, quit, and demolition notices on the buildings around 4 p.m. on Friday, August 8, giving a three-day deadline for compliance.

The notices reportedly cited provisions of the 2022 Urban and Regional Planning Law of Ogun State as the legal basis for the planned demolition. Daniel dismissed the allegations of building contravention as “laughable,” describing the move as “political vindictiveness at its highest shameful level.”

Government: ‘It’s an Urban Renewal Audit, Not Political Persecution’

Responding to the allegations, Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Abiodun, described Daniel’s claims as “false” and intended to stir public resentment against the state government.

According to Akinmade, the notices are part of a broader urban renewal and development audit currently underway in the government reservation areas (GRAs) of Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode. He explained that the audit affects various categories of properties, including residential houses, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings, all of which are being reviewed to determine whether they have valid planning permits.

He stressed that Senator Daniel’s property is located within the Sagamu GRA and was served notices alongside several other buildings in the area. “Nobody is bigger than the state,” Akinmade declared, adding that the government’s actions are in full compliance with the state’s urban planning regulations.

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Not a New Process—Regulatory Law Dates Back to Daniel’s Tenure

Akinmade pointed out that the regulatory framework for such urban planning audits has existed for years, including during Daniel’s own tenure as governor. He noted that the ongoing exercise is not new and follows laid-down procedures under the state’s town planning law.

He explained that all affected property owners are expected to present their planning permits and land titles to the relevant government office for verification. If a property is found to have been built without proper approval or in contravention of regulations, corrective measures — including demolition — may be taken.

“This is a lawful directive, not an act of persecution,” Akinmade said. “The idea that the governor is personally targeting Senator Daniel is baseless.”

In his statement, the governor’s aide accused Senator Daniel of attempting to politicise the situation and evade a legal process that applies to all residents, regardless of their political or social status.

“He is crying wolf where there is none,” Akinmade asserted. “This is cheap blackmail aimed at scoring political points instead of complying with the law.”

Akinmade insisted that the audit is a routine part of the state’s efforts to ensure compliance with planning laws, promote orderly urban development, and prevent unsafe or illegal structures from endangering lives.

Background to the Dispute

Tensions between political figures in Ogun State have occasionally spilled into public exchanges, and this latest confrontation between Governor Abiodun and Senator Daniel has attracted widespread attention due to their political prominence. Daniel served as governor from 2003 to 2011 and played a significant role in Ogun politics before becoming a senator.

The senator’s properties in question — including The Asoludero Court and Conference Hotels — are well-known landmarks in Sagamu and beyond. His supporters argue that the timing and manner of the notices suggest a targeted move, especially given the short deadline for compliance.

However, the state government insists the notices are part of a standardised process that is being applied across multiple properties in the GRAs without bias. Officials say the law requires every property owner to provide documentation confirming compliance with approved building plans and land titles, failure of which could result in sanctions.

What Happens Next

Under the 2022 Urban and Regional Planning Law of Ogun State, property owners served with contravention or quit notices are required to respond by providing necessary permits and documents for review. If the documents are valid and meet planning requirements, the notices may be withdrawn.

In the case of non-compliance or invalid documentation, the state government has the authority to demolish such structures, especially if they pose safety hazards or violate approved land use designations.

Observers note that the outcome of this case could depend heavily on whether Senator Daniel’s legal and planning documents meet the state’s requirements. While the government insists the process is fair and lawful, Daniel’s camp maintains that it is an act of political retribution.

The Ogun State Government’s demolition notices on Senator Gbenga Daniel’s properties have sparked a heated exchange, with the senator alleging political targeting and the government firmly denying any such motive.

While Daniel views the move as a case of “political vindictiveness,” Governor Abiodun’s administration frames it as part of a long-standing, law-backed urban renewal exercise that applies to all property owners equally.

Whether this dispute ends in compliance, legal action, or demolition will depend on the verification process now underway — and on whether both parties can keep the matter within the bounds of law rather than politics.