On Saturday, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun addressed allegations that the state government’s move to demolish the Sagamu residence and luxury hotel owned by former Governor Gbenga Daniel was politically motivated. He insisted the action is part of an ongoing urban renewal and compliance enforcement effort.
Governor Abiodun’s statement came shortly after reports claimed he had ordered the demolition of Asoludero Court residence and the adjoining Conference Hotel—properties owned by Mr. Daniel—citing violations of Ogun State’s town planning regulations.
Both properties, located within the Sagamu Government Reserved Area (GRA), were issued notices to produce valid building permits and a demolition notice on August 8, with only a three-day window to comply. The notice period notably covered a weekend when government offices were closed, raising concerns about the fairness of the deadline.
Although Ogun’s town planning laws typically impose fines for such infractions rather than immediate demolition, the government emphasized the necessity of the exercise as part of a comprehensive development audit targeting properties across Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode GRAs.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, Governor Abiodun acknowledged the issuance of the notices but refuted claims from Gbenga Daniel’s camp that the exercise was an act of political persecution.
“Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s properties fall within the Sagamu GRA and are among those served with notices in accordance with the Town Planning Laws and Regulations of Ogun State,” the statement said. “What is required of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as with all others in similar situations, is to produce valid planning permits and land titles for verification within the stipulated period rather than resorting to unfounded allegations.”
The governor underscored that the urban renewal audit is impartial, involving multiple property owners who have also received similar notices.
Addressing accusations that the demolition threats were a vindictive move against a political rival, Governor Abiodun dismissed these as “barefaced lies” and urged the former governor to comply with the laws he previously swore to uphold.
The situation unfolds amid increasing speculation of a political rivalry ahead of the 2027 elections, with tensions reportedly rising over the use of government authority against opposition figures.