“Demolition Row Erupts: Ogun Govt Tells Daniel To Submit Permits, Not ‘Blackmail’”

The Ogun State Government has firmly dismissed allegations by former governor and current senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, that recent demolition notices served on some of his properties were acts of political vendetta, according to IREPORTER ONLINE.

Daniel’s media office had earlier raised alarm, accusing Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration of carrying out a “malicious and vindictive abuse of power” after notices were issued for his Sagamu private residence, The Asoludero Court, and his hospitality business, Conference Hotels Limited.

His team alleged that the government was attempting to retroactively apply the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2022 to demolish structures dating back to as early as 2004—linking the move to the 2023 demolition of a property belonging to Daniel’s wife in Ijebu-Ode.

In its response, the state government, via Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, rejected these claims as “blatant distortions of facts,” according to IREPORTER ONLINE.

Akinmade explained that the notices were part of a broad development audit in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode Government Reserved Areas, which affects numerous property owners, not just Daniel.

He urged the senator to submit his planning permits and land titles for verification rather than resorting to “cheap blackmail.”

Emphasising adherence to due process, the government stressed that “nobody is bigger than the State,” and that even a distinguished figure like Senator Daniel must submit to the same laws he once swore to uphold.

According to IREPORTER ONLINE, officials also reminded the public that such town planning audits have long been standard practice in Ogun State, including during Daniel’s own tenure as governor.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”