The Ogun State Government has maintained that Senator Gbenga Daniel, former governor of the state and current senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, must comply with the law over the disputed status of his properties in Sagamu.
The clarification comes after Daniel alleged that the government was plotting to demolish his Asoludero residence and the popular Conference Hotel, citing political persecution and disregard for due process. The senator argued that the properties in question were legally constructed long before the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No. 61 of 2022 came into force.
But Governor Dapo Abiodun’s spokesman, Kayode Akinmade, rejected Daniel’s claims, describing them as an attempt at “cheap blackmail” rather than a lawful defence. He stressed that the government’s enforcement drive was not targeted at the former governor alone but applied to all property owners in the affected neighbourhood.
According to Akinmade, notices were duly served on Daniel and other residents, directing them to submit their planning permits and land titles for verification within a stipulated timeframe. He noted that Daniel failed to comply with the directive, choosing instead to go public with accusations against the administration.
“The Ogun State Government is not engaged in any untoward move against Otunba Gbenga Daniel in any way,” Akinmade said. “What is expected is simple compliance with the law. No citizen, no matter their status or past office, is above it.”
The controversy has heightened political tensions in Ogun State, with observers noting the frosty relationship between Daniel and the current administration despite both being members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). While government officials insist the demolition threat is part of a broader urban renewal and compliance programme, Daniel’s camp continues to insist that the move is driven by political vendetta.