The Ogun State Government has dismissed claims by former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, that Governor Dapo Abiodun is targeting him through quit and demolition notices served on his properties in the state.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, August 9, by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the government described the senator’s allegations as a “barefaced lie” and an attempt to cause disaffection in the state.
Senator Daniel had, through his media office, alleged “political persecution”, accusing the Abiodun administration of hiding behind a newly enacted law to threaten the demolition of his private residence, Asoludero Court in Sagamu, Conference Hotels Limited in Sagamu, and the hotel’s annex.
However, the state government said the notices were part of an ongoing urban renewal and development audit covering Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode Government Reservation Areas (GRAs) — a process it noted began in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, and applies to all buildings within the designated areas.
“The GRA is a government-designed estate subject to regulatory oversight in perpetuity. Otunba Daniel’s building happens to be within the Sagamu GRA and was among several properties served notices as required under the Town Planning Law,” the statement read.
According to the government, the notices simply request property owners to present their planning permits and land titles for verification — a statutory process that also existed during Daniel’s tenure as governor.
“It is unfortunate for a former governor and serving senator to cry wolf instead of complying with the law. Nobody is above the state. The governor holds him in high esteem, but he must, like everyone else, submit to lawful directives,” Akinmade stated.
The government urged the senator to desist from politicising routine administrative procedures, stressing that the Abiodun administration is not after him, and that due process will be followed in all cases.
