IJEBU ODE, Nigeria – Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun is facing accusations of authorising the “vandalization” of DATKEM Plaza, a property owned by Olufunke Daniel, the wife of former Governor and current Senator, Gbenga Daniel.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours on Saturday, September 9, 2023, and the operation was carried out by individuals described as “thugs loyal to the State Governor,” with police protection.
Olusegun Lawal, the project manager for DATKEM Plaza, said that the building, set to be commissioned later this month, was fully approved by relevant authorities and in compliance with building codes.
According to Lawal, Ogun State Government issued a contravention notice only three days prior, citing inadequate parking space, muster point, and airspace issues.
Steve Oliyide, an aide to former Governor Gbenga Daniel, alleged that the police provided protection to the vandals.
“ACP Edward Omosoyin led the operation with seven armed policemen in twenty vehicles and personally supervised the destruction,” Oliyide said.
He further claimed that town planners refused to sign the demolition order, saying it could not be justified. “Town planners that were contacted say they don’t work at night and not even on Sunday,” he added.
Oliyide insisted that Governor Abiodun’s “thugs” were responsible for vandalizing the building, labeling the act as enforcing an “illegal order.”
This event has sparked a new round of political controversy in Ogun State, with many wondering whether the action was motivated by vendetta or legitimate concerns over building regulations.
Legal experts say that if the allegations are proven, this could be a significant abuse of power by the Ogun State Government.
The episode further raises concerns over the influence of political power on civil proceedings and the apparent imbalances in how regulations are enforced.
Both the Ogun State Government and the police have yet to issue a statement or clarification regarding the incident.
Civil rights organizations and legal experts are calling for an impartial investigation into the matter.
Many questions remain unanswered, and tensions are running high in Ijebu Ode and the rest of Ogun State as the public awaits more information.
