Ogun State, Nigeria – Former Governor and current Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has criticized the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun, accusing it of engaging in petty politics and deliberate obstruction of federal development efforts in the state.
Senator Daniel made the remarks on Saturday, September 27, during his ongoing Midterm Community Assessment and Review Tour of the BATOGD Movement in Ijebu North East Local Government Area.
Alleged Hostility Over Federal Road Project
Tensions have escalated between the Abiodun-led administration and Senator Daniel following a reported “stop work” directive issued on a road project in Sagamu Government Reserved Area (GRA) — one of the Senator’s facilitated constituency projects.
The road in question, Paddy Arikawe Oye Igbimo Road, was included in the Senator’s intervention efforts as part of a federal constituency project aimed at improving local infrastructure.
In a statement released through his media aide, Steve Oloyede, Senator Daniel described the state government’s actions as politically motivated and detrimental to the interests of Ogun residents.
“What we expect, and indeed require, from the State Government is cooperation, not hostility. Petty politics must never be allowed to short-change our people,” Daniel stated.
Ogun Government Responds: “An Egregious Falsehood”
In a swift response, the Ogun State Government dismissed the allegations as baseless and misleading.
Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Abiodun, clarified that the contractor — Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited — was merely asked to obtain the necessary official clearance, as the road falls under state jurisdiction.
“No work was stopped arbitrarily. The contractor was simply asked to follow due process. Any claim otherwise is an egregious falsehood,” Akinmade said.
Daniel: Development Must Be Prioritized Over Politics
Senator Daniel emphasized that as a federal lawmaker, he should be supported, not antagonized, in his efforts to attract federal projects to Ogun State.
He referenced the Paddy Arikawe Road, stating:
“That road was first constructed by the Ogun State Road Management Agency (OGROMA) in 2004 when I was governor. Unfortunately, no significant maintenance has occurred in two decades. We’ve now managed to include it as a palliative in our constituency projects.”
“The key message to the state government is simple: support us to bring more development home. Encouragement, not discouragement, is what our people deserve.”
Senator Highlights Deplorable Road Conditions in Ijebu North East
Senator Daniel also drew attention to nearly 100 kilometers of dilapidated roads in Ijebu North East, urging the state government to act swiftly to address them.
“These roads are lifelines — for farmers, traders, students, and the entire business community. Their rehabilitation will ease transportation, enhance trade, and restore hope in government. We sincerely urge the state government to collaborate with federal authorities, rather than hinder them.”
Call for Collaboration Over Confrontation
The Senator concluded by stressing the need for collaborative governance that prioritizes the needs of the people over political rivalry.
“Our people don’t care who fixes the roads — they just want to see progress. Let’s work together for the good of Ogun State.”
