Gbenga Daniel Alleges Intended Demolition of His Properties in Sagamu by Governor Dapo Abiodun
In a heated political standoff, former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel has accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of politically motivated persecution, alleging that the current administration is using the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No. 61 of 2022 to demolish buildings that were legally constructed before the law was enacted.
The controversy began in September 2023 when DATKEM Plaza, owned by Daniel's wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel, was illegally demolished in the midnight hours. The properties in question, including The Asoludero Court, Conference Hotels Limited, and its annexe, have been the subject of notices of contravention and threats of demolition since early August 2025.
Daniel, who is currently a Senator representing Ogun East, has dismissed the claims as "ludicrous," describing the government's actions as a "thuggish tactic designed to intimidate and inflict damage." He asserts that the notices for the demolition are breaches of procedures that allow adequate time intervals.
Governor Abiodun's administration, through the Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Akinmade, has denied targeting Daniel. Akinmade stated that most of the buildings in question, including Daniel's properties, have violated building plans. However, Akinmade also emphasized that the government is only taking stock of buildings with similar violations and that the letter was not sent to Daniel alone, and it was not true that he was being singled out.
The conflict escalated when Daniel obtained an interim court order restraining the Ogun State Government and its agents from demolishing or interfering with his properties, pending further legal hearing scheduled for August 19, 2025. The demolition of DATKEM Plaza is currently the subject of ongoing litigation.
The political rivalry between the two men, both hailing from the same senatorial district, is rumoured to be a factor in the dispute. With Governor Abiodun reportedly preparing to contest the Senate seat against Daniel in 2027, the stakes are high.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, no government agent was sent on the assignment to demolish DATKEM Plaza at ungodly hours, according to Daniel. A comprehensive statement regarding the issue will be sent when it is ready, according to Akinmade.
[1] The Nation Newspaper. (2025, August 10). Daniel's properties: Abiodun's government denies targeting former governor. Retrieved from https://thenationonlineng.net/daniels-properties-abioduns-government-denies-targeting-former-governor/
[2] The Punch Newspaper. (2025, August 11). Gbenga Daniel accuses Abiodun of politically motivated demolition of properties. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/gbenga-daniel-accuses-abiodun-of-politically-motivated-demolition-of-properties/
[3] The Guardian Newspaper. (2025, August 12). Gbenga Daniel accuses Abiodun of politically motivated demolition of properties. Retrieved from https://guardian.ng/news/gbenga-daniel-accuses-abiodun-of-politically-motivated-demolition-of-properties/
[4] Vanguard Newspaper. (2025, August 13). Court restrains Ogun State Government from demolishing Daniel's properties. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/08/court-restrains-ogun-state-government-from-demolishing-daniels-properties/
[5] Sahara Reporters. (2025, August 14). Gbenga Daniel accuses Abiodun of politically motivated demolition of properties. Retrieved from https://saharareporters.com/2025/08/14/gbenga-daniel-accuses-abiodun-politically-motivated-demolition-properties
- The political clash between former Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel and current Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, both from the same senatorial district, has resulted in allegations of politically motivated demolition of properties, with Daniel's wife's DATKEM Plaza being a recent example.
- Amidst claims of using the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law to demolish legally constructed buildings before the law's enactment, Senator Daniel has argued that the notices for demolition are breaches of procedures that allow adequate time intervals.
- While Governor Abiodun's administration denies targeting Daniel, they have admitted to violations by some buildings, including Daniel's properties, and emphasize that only buildings with similar violations are being addressed.
- The ongoing legal battle, with a court order restraining the Ogun State Government and its agents from demolishing or interfering with Daniel's properties, has led to speculation about the role of politics in the dispute, as both individuals are reportedly preparing to contest a Senate seat in 2027.
- Against this backdrop of general news, crime, and politics, various media outlets such as The Nation Newspaper, The Punch Newspaper, The Guardian Newspaper, Vanguard Newspaper, and Sahara Reporters have reported extensively on the issue.
