Ogun State Government and Ex-Gov Daniel’s Wife in Plaza Demolition Dispute
In an escalating showdown, the Ogun State Government and Mrs. Olufunke Daniel, wife of the former governor, are at loggerheads over the partial demolition of DATKEM Plaza in Ijebu Ode. The government alleges that the structure lacked proper approvals, violated state planning laws, and had numerous structural flaws. However, the property owners contend that they possessed all the necessary permits.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olayiwola Abiodun, asserts that the building exhibited several defects and that multiple notices and warnings were issued to the owners, all of which they allegedly disregarded.
A legal representative for Mrs. Daniel, Mr. Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), accused the state government of disregarding court papers indicating an ongoing legal process. He further alleged that political thugs, purportedly aided by police officers, executed the demolition.
Meanwhile, the project manager and developer, Olusegun Lawal, defended the construction, asserting that it had full approval and no structural faults.
Furthermore, Chief Segun Sowunmi, a former gubernatorial aspirant, penned an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, expressing concern about the incident and implying that the state was more secure under former President Muhammad Buhari’s administration. He questioned whether President Tinubu’s “body language” tacitly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun’s actions.
In response, a senior aide to Governor Abiodun defended the government’s actions, underscoring the importance of upholding the law and ensuring public safety.
The dispute surrounding the demolition of DATKEM Plaza underscores a contentious issue between the state government and property owners, with legal battles likely to ensue.
