Demolition: We may take legal action against Ogun govt — Gbenga Daniel’s aide

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0Tribune Online reports that notices for quitting and demolition were pasted on the premises by officials of the state government from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority, Sagamu Zonal Planning Office.

While he described the move as political persecution, Daniel, wondered why the state government attempted to use the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No.61 of 2022 to demolish the buildings that were constructed long before the law came into existence.

Oliyide, flanked by other political associates of the former governor, Akogun Kola Onadipe; Hon John Obafemi; General Olumuyiwa Okunowo(retd), at a press conference held at the Asoludero Court, Sagamu,  said there was a sinister motive behind the notices.

The ex-governor’s aide, said his principal would not have made any issue out of the government’s move, if it had not suffered same fate in the hands of the government of Prince Dapo Abiodun in 2023, when a property belonging to the wife of the former Governor in Ijebu-Ode, DATKEM building was vandalised.

He noted that there were so many contradictions in the notices served by the agents of government, hinting that his boss has government approval on each of the buildings.

Oliyide advised the state government to access its records for approvals given to Daniel on the said buildings.

He said, “Dapo Abiodun is trying to cause chaos in Ogun State. The contravention notice, and demolition notice served on Senator Daniel’s properties were mere subterfuge.

“None of the properties contravene any building laws. We have all necessary approved documents are intact. The state should be able to access its own records for approvals given to the former governor.”

He observed that Abiodun’s house in Iperu-Remo is situated close to a Trunk A road, along Iperu-Isara-Ode Road, without the required setback, saying he should carry out demolition on his property before he can extend the same to others.

Asked on the step taken by the former governor upon the receipt of the notices,  Oliyide, said the General Manager of the Conference Hotel, Ms Taiwo Adebusuyi,  immediately proceeded to the Zonal office of the town planning with necessary documents, but did not meet any official in the office.

He said, “The notices were posted on Friday by 4p.m. Ms. Taiwo Adebusuyi, the General Manager of the hotel quickly dashed to the Town Planning Office in Sagamu, but he was told the officer in charge was not on seat. His phone was called but he didn’t pick. 

“It is obvious that the state is not following its own building laws in this matter, this move by the state has sinister motive.

“We will do everything legally possible to prevent this illegality by the state government.”

Onadipe in his contribution said the Ogun State government ought to have served a demand notice if a building audit is being carried out and not a demolition notice.

“Government and citizens should abide and obey the laws of the land. A good government doesn’t destroy property, adequate notices must be served on property owners before demolition notice.

He faulted government defense that all the buildings inside the GRA were notified, saying several buildings within the environs of the OGD property were never served.

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