The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of using state power to settle political scores after notices were posted ordering the demolition of properties belonging to former governor and current senator, Gbenga Daniel.
The PDP says the move is linked to an ongoing rift between Abiodun and Daniel, whom the party claims are eyeing the same Ogun East senatorial seat in 2027. The opposition called the action an abuse of office and warned it smacks of intimidation.
Daniel, through his media aide Steve Oliyide, said the government pasted “Notice of Contravention,” “Notice to Quit,” and demolition orders on his Sagamu properties — including Asoludero Court and Conference Hotels Limited — on Friday, August 8, giving a three-day deadline.
He dismissed the claims of planning contraventions as “laughable,” noting the buildings predate the 2022 Urban and Regional Planning Law cited by authorities. Daniel called the simultaneous issuance of contravention and quit notices, followed immediately by a demolition threat, a breach of due process and “political vindictiveness.”
Governor Abiodun’s office, via Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Kayode Akinmade, denied the allegations, describing the action as part of a routine audit of the Sagamu Government Reserved Area (GRA) tied to a broader urban renewal programme affecting GRAs in Ibara, Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode and Sagamu.
Akinmade urged Daniel to produce government-approved documents for the properties and said the exercise is not targeted at any individual. “Nobody is bigger than the state,” he said, adding that the government’s actions are guided by law and public interest.
The PDP’s State Secretary, Sunday Solarin, countered that the audit is rooted in an intra-party feud between the two APC figures and accused the governor of trying to bully a political rival. He questioned why only Daniel’s Ogun properties were targeted when the senator owns assets in other states.
Akinmade replied that the opposition is attempting to shield certain individuals from legal scrutiny and reiterated that compliance with planning permits is non-negotiable for public safety and the environment. The exchange underscores rising tensions in Ogun politics as actors position for the 2027 elections.
