The Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, on Friday issued a three-day demolition notice on the Sagamu home and luxury hotel belonging to former governor and current senator, Gbenga Daniel, intensifying political tensions between the two ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senator Daniel, who represents Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, shares the same political base as Governor Abiodun. Reports suggest the governor is eyeing a Senate run in 2027, potentially against Daniel, who is expected to seek re-election. This brewing contest has deepened divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with insiders claiming Abiodun’s strategy may involve pushing Daniel out of the party. The two politicians were once allies, with Daniel backing Abiodun’s successful 2019 gubernatorial bid, but their relationship has since broken down, sparking accusations that the governor is using state power against his predecessor.
According to documents obtained by Peoples Gazette, the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority served both a Notice of Contravention and a Notice to Quit for Daniel’s Asoludero Court residence on Obafemi Awolowo Avenue, GRA, Sagamu, along with his nearby Conference Hotel. The notices—numbered 00049514 and 00047714—were delivered by the Sagamu Zonal Planning Office around 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8.
The Notice of Contravention, referencing the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No. 61 of 2022, alleged that the hotel was built without proper planning approval, permits, or setbacks. It ordered the removal of the “contravention” within three days or face demolition. The Notice to Quit similarly gave occupants of the residence three days to vacate in preparation for demolition, stating that the government would not be liable for any losses or damages incurred.
However, the cited law was passed in 2022—over 15 years after both properties were completed. Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, said the residence, which also houses a political leadership institute, a large event hall, and an underground library, was constructed in 2004 during Daniel’s governorship. He argued it was inconceivable that a sitting governor at the time would build without the necessary permits. Oliyide added that Daniel’s team went to the Sagamu Zonal Planning Office shortly after receiving the notices but found it closed. He also noted that the three-day deadline falls over a weekend when government offices are shut, stressing that all required documents are already in the government’s possession.
Checks by Peoples Gazette indicate that the penalty under the referenced law, if a violation is proven, is a ₦120,000 fine—not demolition.
This move comes less than a year after a September 2023 incident in which property belonging to Daniel’s wife in Ijebu-Ode was demolished around 1:00 a.m. on a Sunday, following a deliberate power outage in the area. Though she later won a court case against the government, the building had already been destroyed.
Governor Abiodun has long faced allegations of heavy-handed tactics in Ogun politics and is said to have targeted former political allies after past electoral defeats. Daniel is reportedly out of the country while the Senate is on recess. Calls to Governor Abiodun’s phone went unanswered.
When contacted on Saturday morning, Ogun State Secretary to the Government, Tokunbo Talabi, declined to comment, saying the matter was outside his jurisdiction and advising that inquiries be directed to the relevant department.
