The Ogun State Government has refuted claims by former governor and sitting senator, Gbenga Daniel, that recent demolition notices served on some of his properties were politically motivated.
In a statement released on Saturday, the government maintained that the notices were part of a broader urban renewal and planning audit exercise, not a targeted campaign against Daniel or his interests.
“This is not a witch-hunt,” said Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun. “The exercise is being carried out across multiple locations in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode Government Reserved Areas (GRAs) and is affecting several property owners.”
Daniel Alleges Political Vendetta
The controversy erupted after a statement from Daniel’s media office alleged that the state government was using the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2022 as a tool to retroactively penalise him for properties built long before the law was enacted.
According to his team, demolition notices were served on Friday, August 8, targeting his Sagamu residence, The Asoludero Court, as well as his business, Conference Hotels Limited.
The former governor’s camp described the move as a “malicious and vindictive abuse of power,” referencing a similar incident in 2023, when a property belonging to Daniel’s wife was demolished in Ijebu-Ode.
Government Fires Back: “Nobody Is Above the Law”
Responding, Akinmade dismissed the allegations as “blatant distortions of facts,” and urged Senator Daniel to follow due process instead of politicising a standard administrative procedure.
“All Otunba Gbenga Daniel needs to do like every other person in similar circumstances is to present his planning permit and land title to the appropriate agency for verification. There is no need for political blackmail,” Akinmade said.
He added that Daniel, a former two-term governor, should be familiar with the importance of regulatory compliance.
“Senator Gbenga Daniel is distinguished, no doubt. But he is not bigger than Ogun State. He should submit himself to the same laws he once swore—twice to uphold.”
A Common Process, Not a Personal Target
The government also reminded the public that such audits are routine procedures, noting that similar exercises were carried out during Daniel’s own administration. The intention, it said, is to streamline development, ensure compliance with planning laws, and prevent unregulated structures from compromising urban infrastructure.
“Framing every government action as a personal attack on the governor is misleading and disingenuous,” the statement concluded.
What Comes Next
Under the issued notices, property owners are expected to present their permits and documentation for verification within a specified window. The state reiterated that failure to comply could lead to enforcement action in line with urban planning regulations.
