“This action is not only politically motivated but a blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law.”
Former Ogun State governor and current Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has condemned Governor Dapo Abiodun’s recent demolition notices served on his private residence and business properties in Sagamu.
Addressing journalists at the Gateway Front Foundation hall in Sagamu, Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, accused the governor of lacking the moral right to target Daniel’s properties when his own house in Iperu obstructs a major highway without any rebuilding notices served.
Oliyide further questioned the legality and timing of the governor’s actions, highlighting the simultaneous posting of contravention and quit notices on August 8 and 11, 2025, demanding demolition within three days. He called this move an attempt to “create confusion and chaos” and described it as a deliberate insult to the people of Ogun State.
The press briefing served to counter government claims of ongoing unlawful construction at Daniel’s sites, which include The Asoludero Court, Conference Hotels Limited, and its annex, all established years ago with proper approvals.
Acknowledging the government’s right to enforce urban planning laws, Oliyide cited the September 2023 midnight demolition of DATKEM Plaza, a property owned by Daniel’s wife, as another example of political persecution.
He argued that the notices violate due process, since adequate documentary scrutiny and prior notices were ignored. Oliyide insisted that no legitimate audit targeting other properties accompanies this action, raising suspicion of political vendetta.
The Ogun State government maintains that the properties contravene the 2022 Urban and Regional Planning Law and insists that Daniel, like others in the Government Reservation Area, must comply with the regulations.
The government denies any political motivation, asserting that the exercise is an ongoing statewide regulatory process. Daniel has vowed to challenge the demolition in court to protect his rights and property.
THIS WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON PEOPLE’S GAZETTE