Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has clarified that the partial demolition of a five-story building was not politically motivated, contrary to what some have insinuated.
The property is believed to belong to Olufunke Daniel, the wife of former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel. During an inspection of the reconstruction of the 8km Mowe/Ofada Road in the Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of the state, Governor Abiodun addressed the issue. He stated that the demolition was necessary because it violated the laws.
Abiodun emphasized that the owners of DATKEM seemed to believe they were above the law by ignoring contravention and seal orders from the Ministry of Physical Planning. They continued construction in violation of the safety of Ogun State residents.
Despite receiving a demolition order, they persisted and even tried to influence officials to overlook their violations. However, Governor Abiodun commended the Ministry of Physical Planning officials for standing their ground despite pressure.
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“The owners of DATKEM in their minds must have felt they were above the law because they were actually recalcitrant. It smirks of impunity if the Ministry of Physical Planning sends you a contravention order, sends you a seal order and you continue with the construction in violation of the safety of all of us in Ogun State,” he said.
“They sent you a demolition order, but you still did not respond. You begin to sneak into the building at night. You begin to work there. You begin to attempt to grease palms so that they can overlook your contraventions. But, of course, the day of reckoning would always come.”
He pointed out that the state government has been demolishing illegal properties without making a fuss about it, and he questioned why there was an issue with this recent demolition.
Abiodun stressed that state laws must be followed, regardless of social status, and warned that his government would not tolerate illegality, particularly in cases where structures lack authorized documents from state government agencies.
