The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of weaponizing state power to pursue personal political ambitions, following the state’s move to demolish properties belonging to former Governor and current Senator, Gbenga Daniel.
The PDP claims the demolition notices served on Daniel’s private residence and hotel in Sagamu are politically motivated, rooted in a brewing intra-party rivalry over the Ogun East Senatorial seat ahead of 2027.
According to the PDP, both Daniel and Abiodun are eyeing the same Senate seat, and the recent move is part of a larger strategy to intimidate political opponents using state machinery.
“This is not about urban planning. It’s a political battle gone dirty,” said Sunday Solarin, PDP’s state secretary. “Governor Abiodun is abusing his office to silence a perceived rival. It’s 2027 politics in disguise.”
Demolition Notice Sparks Outrage
Senator Gbenga Daniel, in a statement issued through his media aide Steve Oliyide, revealed that demolition, contravention, and quit notices were pasted on his properties — including Asoludero Court and Conference Hotels Sagamu — on Friday, August 8, with a three-day compliance deadline.
Daniel described the move as “politically vindictive,” citing that the buildings were constructed legally well before the 2022 Urban and Regional Planning Law being referenced in the notices.
“This law didn’t exist when these properties were built,” Daniel stated. “The Asoludero Court was constructed in 2004, Conference Hotel in 2013, and the annex in 2015. The claim of ‘no permits’ is laughable.”
He accused the Abiodun administration of bypassing due process, arguing that proper procedures — such as adequate notification intervals — were ignored.
State Government Denies Political Motive
Responding to the allegations, Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Information and Strategy, denied any political intent. He said the demolition notices were part of a routine urban renewal audit in Sagamu’s Government Reserved Area (GRA), affecting multiple properties — not just Daniel’s.
“This is not about politics. It’s a government-wide exercise that began in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, and is now extending to Ijebu Ode and Sagamu,” Akinmade explained.
“No one is above the law, including a former governor. If Daniel’s properties are in order, he has nothing to worry about.”
He added that rather than “crying foul,” Daniel should present valid building permits to the relevant authorities.
“Senator Daniel is respected, but he’s not bigger than the state. Compliance with building laws is not optional, regardless of political history.”
PDP Fires Back
The PDP, however, insists the action is not a coincidence. They argue that Daniel’s properties outside Ogun State — including those in Lagos and Abuja — have never faced similar threats, suggesting that the demolition move is selective and targeted.
“It’s pure ‘bad bele’ politics,” said Solarin. “The excuses given are face-saving tactics. Governor Abiodun should focus on his performance, not intimidation.”
Abiodun’s Camp Warns PDP to Stay Out
Akinmade further criticized the PDP for what he described as an attempt to protect political elites from accountability.
“The PDP should fix its own internal crisis instead of meddling in the affairs of a working government,” he said. “Being a former governor doesn’t make anyone untouchable. Let the law take its course.”
This controversy adds fuel to the already heated political atmosphere in Ogun State, as 2027 political ambitions begin to shape present-day decisions — and alliances.
