The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of political witch-hunt over the state government’s move to demolish properties owned by former governor and current senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel.
According to the PDP, the action is politically motivated, rooted in a growing rivalry between Abiodun and Daniel, both of whom are reportedly eyeing the Ogun East senatorial seat in 2027.
The PDP claimed the planned demolition is an attempt by the governor to intimidate a political opponent.
Earlier, Senator Daniel alleged that notices of contravention, quit, and demolition were pasted on his Sagamu properties including his private residence, The Asoludero Court, and Conference Hotels on Friday, August 8. The notices reportedly cited violations of the state’s 2022 Urban and Regional Planning Law.
In a statement from his media aide, Steve Oliyide, Daniel dismissed the government’s justification as “laughable,” pointing out that the buildings in question were constructed long before the 2022 law came into effect. He described the demolition threat as a politically charged abuse of power and a violation of due process.
“The governor’s actions amount to political persecution,” Daniel said. “Properties like the Asoludero Court (built in 2004) and Conference Hotel (established in 2013) existed long before the cited law was enacted. The notices breach legal procedures, giving no reasonable timeline between contravention, quit, and demolition orders.”
However, Governor Abiodun, through his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, refuted the claims, insisting the audit of properties in Sagamu GRA is a standard part of the government’s ongoing urban renewal project. He stressed that no individual is being targeted and that the exercise is not influenced by political interests.
“Nobody is above the law,” Akinmade said. “If Daniel’s properties comply with the law, there should be no issue. The same audit has been conducted in other parts of the state, including Ibara GRA in Abeokuta.”
He also criticized the PDP for interfering in what he described as routine governance. “They should focus on fixing their internal crisis instead of shielding individuals from lawful scrutiny,” he added.
In a separate comment, PDP State Secretary Dr. Sunday Solarin accused the governor of using state power to settle political scores within the APC. “This is clearly an intra-party battle gone public,” he said.
“The governor is leveraging his office against Daniel due to their shared interest in the 2027 senatorial race.”
Akinmade dismissed that argument as well, saying the government’s actions are based on planning laws and not partisan agendas. “The rules apply to everyone, regardless of past or current positions,” he said.
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