Ogun Govt replies Gbenga Daniel: Follow due process, nobody is bigger than the state
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Ogun State Government has refuted claims by former governor and current Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, that recent demolition notices served on his properties were politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the government maintained that the action was part of a routine urban renewal and town planning audit, not a targeted attack.
The dispute began after Daniel’s media office alleged “malicious and vindictive abuse of power” by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration. The statement from Daniel’s team said notices dated Friday, August 8, were served on his Sagamu residence, The Asoludero Court, and his Conference Hotels Limited.
According to Daniel’s camp, the government is attempting to apply the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2022 retroactively to demolish structures built years before its enactment—some as far back as 2004. They also linked the current development to the 2023 demolition of a property owned by Daniel’s wife in Ijebu-Ode.
Reacting, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described the accusations as “blatant distortions of facts.” He explained that the notices were issued as part of a broader development audit in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode Government Reserved Areas, affecting multiple property owners.
“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 time specified in the notices, rather than resorting to cheap blackmail,” Akinmade said.
He also stressed the state’s commitment to the rule of law.
“Nobody is bigger than the State,” Akinmade said, adding that “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 government noted that such planning audits are routine and were also conducted during Daniel’s tenure as governor. It urged him to stop portraying every government action as a personal attack from Governor Abiodun.
