Ogun State Political Tensions Escalate Over Demolition Claims
The political landscape in Ogun State has become increasingly tense following allegations of a personal vendetta by Governor Dapo Abiodun against former governor Gbenga Daniel. The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the current administration of targeting Daniel's properties, which they claim is driven by a rivalry over future senatorial ambitions.
According to the PDP, the conflict between Abiodun and Daniel, who currently represents Ogun East in the Senate, stems from their competing interests in securing the senatorial seat in 2027. The PDP claims that Daniel is preparing for re-election, while Abiodun, who lost the seat in 2015, is also eyeing it after completing his second term.
Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to Abiodun on Media and Strategy, responded to these allegations by urging the PDP to focus on its internal issues rather than interfering with state affairs. He emphasized that government policies are based on legal frameworks and public interest, not partisan politics.
Accusations of Illegal Demolition
Earlier this week, Daniel alleged that the governor had ordered the demolition of his Sagamu private residence, The Asoludero Court, Conference Hotels Limited, and the hotel annex. These claims were supported by notices of contravention, quit, and threats of demolition, which were reportedly pasted on the properties on August 8.
Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, stated that the notices cited violations of the 2022 Urban and Regional Planning Law. However, Daniel dismissed these allegations as baseless and politically motivated, describing them as an attempt at political persecution.
He highlighted that the properties in question had been constructed years before the law was enacted, making the current actions appear unjust. For instance, the Asoludero Court was built in 2004, while the Conference Hotel Sagamu was established in 2013, and the annex followed in 2015.
Daniel argued that the government’s approach violated due process and the rule of law, pointing out that the notices issued were inconsistent with standard procedures. He claimed that the simultaneous issuance of a “Notice of Contravention” and a “Notice to Quit” with an immediate threat of demolition was a clear breach of protocol.
Government’s Response
In response to the allegations, Governor Abiodun clarified that the audit exercise in Sagamu GRA was a routine government initiative aimed at urban renewal. He emphasized that the process affected all residents and was not targeted at any individual, regardless of their political affiliations.
Akinmade reiterated that the government's objective was to enforce planning laws and promote orderly development. He pointed out that similar projects had been carried out in other parts of the state without controversy.
He also criticized the PDP for attempting to shield individuals from legal scrutiny, stating that no one should be above the law. Akinmade stressed that the government's actions were guided by the need to protect the lives of citizens and the environment, not personal vendettas.
PDP’s Criticism
Dr. Sunday Solarin, the State Secretary of the PDP, condemned the government's actions as an abuse of office. He suggested that the conflict was rooted in an intra-party crisis between Abiodun and Daniel, both of whom are vying for the Ogun East senatorial seat.
Solarin argued that the government should focus on improving its performance rather than using its position to intimidate political opponents. He also raised concerns about the lack of action against Daniel's properties in other states like Lagos and Abuja, questioning the fairness of the government's approach.
Conclusion
The ongoing dispute highlights the complex interplay between politics and governance in Ogun State. While the government maintains that its actions are lawful and aimed at urban development, critics argue that the move is politically motivated and lacks transparency. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the conflict will impact the broader political landscape in the region.