The Ogun State Government has denied allegations by Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, that the quit and demolition notices served on some of his properties were politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described the former governor’s claims as “a barefaced lie” intended to create disaffection and stir unnecessary tension in the state.
Akinmade explained that the notices issued on Daniel’s private residence at Asoludero Court in Sagamu, Conference Hotels Limited in Sagamu, and a hotel annex were part of an ongoing urban renewal and development audit exercise.
He noted that the initiative covers buildings within government reserved areas (GRAs) in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode, and not Daniel’s properties alone.
“Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s building happens to be within the Sagamu GRA and among those served notices as required under the Town Planning Law and Regulation of Ogun State. Many other structures were also similarly served,” Akinmade stated.
He added that the process is statutory and had been in place even during Daniel’s tenure as governor. The government urged the senator to simply present his planning permit and land title for verification rather than resorting to “cheap blackmail.”
“It is the duty of the government to carry out audits. For someone who has been in office as governor and who is now a senator to be crying wolf is highly unfortunate,” Akinmade said.
He stressed that Governor Dapo Abiodun holds Daniel in high esteem and has no personal vendetta against him, warning that “nobody is bigger than the State” and all must comply with the law.
