Senator Gbenga Daniel, a former Ogun State governor now representing Ogun East, has accused current Governor Dapo Abiodun of targeting him with politically motivated demolition orders against multiple properties in Sagamu.
On Friday, August 8, demolition notices were posted on Daniel’s private residence (The Asoludero Court), Conference Hotels Limited, and its annexe around 4 PM. The notices cited alleged construction violations and gave just three days’ warning before potential demolition.
Daniel dismissed the charges as baseless, noting that his properties predate the regulations being cited against them. The Asoludero Court was constructed in 2004, Conference Hotel in 2013, and the annexe in 2015 – all built years before the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No. 61 of 2022 took effect.
“This is nothing but clear political persecution,” Daniel stated, criticizing the administration for attempting to retroactively apply new laws to older structures that were legally built under previous regulations.
The former governor also challenged the legal process, arguing that proper procedures require sequential notifications with adequate time intervals between contravention notices, quit notices, and any demolition threats.
This latest controversy follows a September 2023 incident where DATKEM Plaza in Ijebu Ode, owned by Daniel’s wife Yeye Olufunke Daniel, was demolished by state officials. That case remains in court, with Daniel claiming the state has lost several applications, suggesting their actions lacked legal foundation.
Governor Abiodun previously defended the 2023 demolition, stating that no one is above building regulations and that even his own properties would face demolition if they violated codes. The government justified that action by claiming the five-story plaza lacked proper permits.
Daniel has called for public condemnation of what he terms an abuse of power and vowed to pursue all legal remedies to hold the governor accountable for what he characterizes as lawless actions.
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