Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has denied allegations of political bias in the partial demolition of a five-story building in the state known as DATKEM, believed to belong to Olufunke Daniel, the wife of former Ogun state governor, Gbenga Daniel.
Governor Abiodun addressed the issue during an inspection of the reconstruction of the 8km Mowe/Ofada Road in the Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area.
He stressed that the demolition was a result of legal violations and emphasized the importance of upholding state laws regardless of one’s social status.
Abiodun stated, “The law is not a respecter of VVIPs or VIPs. Nobody is above the law. The law took its course.” He explained that the owners of DATKEM had shown recalcitrance by continuing construction despite contravention orders and sealing notices from the Ministry of Physical Planning.
He praised the Ministry of Physical Planning officials for their steadfastness in enforcing the law despite considerable pressure.
Recall that an Ogun State High Court had earlier issued an order directing the Ogun State government to maintain the status quo and refrain from further action on a five-story building named DATKEM Plaza, owned by Yeye Olufunke Daniel, wife of Senator Gbenga Daniel. The state government had partially demolished the building, citing violations of building codes.
The court order came in response to a case filed by DAKTEMS Enterprises Limited, seeking to halt any further demolition until the matter is substantively determined. The court has instructed all parties to maintain the status quo on the property as of September 11, 2023, and set a hearing for the interlocutory injunction on September 27, 2023.
Yeye Olufunke Daniel’s legal counsel accused the Ogun State government of executive recklessness and vowed to pursue justice through legal means.