The Ogun State Government has dismissed accusations of political persecution from former governor and current senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, insisting that recent demolition notices served on some of his properties are part of a routine urban renewal exercise.
In a statement, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, clarified that the notices were issued as part of an ongoing development audit in the Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode Government Reserved Areas, which affects numerous property owners, not just Daniel.
The dispute erupted after Daniel’s media office alleged that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration was engaging in “malicious and vindictive abuse of power” by targeting his Sagamu private residence, The Asoludero Court, and Conference Hotels Limited. The notices, served on Friday, August 8, reportedly cited the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2022. Daniel’s camp argued the government was attempting to apply the law retroactively to buildings constructed as far back as 2004. They also linked the move to the 2023 demolition of a property belonging to Daniel’s wife in Ijebu-Ode.
Akinmade rejected the claims as “blatant distortions of facts,” stressing that the process was lawful and non-discriminatory.
“All Otunba Gbenga Daniel needs to do, just like every other person in a similar situation, is to present his planning permit and land title to the relevant government agency for verification within the specified time, rather than resorting to cheap blackmail,” Akinmade stated.
He further underscored the government’s stance on equality before the law: “Nobody is bigger than the State. Senator Gbenga Daniel is distinguished, no doubt, but he is not bigger than Ogun State. He should submit himself unreservedly to the same laws he once swore twice to uphold.”
The statement also reminded the former governor that such audits were conducted even during his administration, urging him to avoid framing routine governance processes as personal attacks from the current government.