In a surprising turn of events, governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has ordered the demolition of the DATKEM Plaza, a five-story structure owned by Olufunke Daniel, the wife of former governor Gbenga Daniel and the current senator representing Ogun East.
Confirming the incident, Olusegun Lawal, the Project Manager and Developer of the building, said the demolition took place at an unexpected hour, 3:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Lawal asserted that the building, located on Folagbade Street, Ijebu-Ode, had received full approval from the state government and was scheduled for commissioning by the end of September before its abrupt destruction.
He noted that the third floor of the N1billion worth plaza was intended to house the Ogun East Senatorial Office.
The developer, while confirming that the government issued a three days notice of demolition however, insisted that “There are no single structural defects on the building and all relevant and necessary government approvals have been obtained.
“We’ve done what was needful from our side regarding this project, all requirements from state government officials had been fulfilled.
“ Not enough parking space, inadequate muster point and inadequate airspace were the reasons adduced by the government”
The statement partly reads:
“Reasons adduced by the Government are:
1. Not enough parking space (front of Building is Folagbade str.
It is sided by two (2) undeveloped streets which is being prepared by the Developers to be tarred to support parking while the empty piece of land at the back is being negotiated for lease to complement car parking.
2. Inadequate Muster Point: Muster point is any space outside the building where people can gather in case of fire or emergency. There is ample space around the building that can be used as Muster Point.
3. Inadequate Airspace. This is a new one. But there is enough airspace as there is no single adjoining building around the 4 sides of the building. There is also no concrete fence but only metal grills to ensure proper airflow.
It must be noted that there are other buildings with the vicinity that does not even come close in terms of compliance on safety matters.
“All these information were known by the relevant personnel of Government in ongoing discussions
4. Notice of demolition by government: 3 days
5. Demolition started 3am Sunday 10 September, 2023 and it is ongoing as we prepare this preliminary report. Building cost is around N1b.”
Meanwhile, rumors of a growing feud between the incumbent governor and the former governor, who is now a senator, have been circulating.
While Mr. Daniel initially supported Mr. Abiodun for governor in 2019, there were speculations that his allegiance shifted towards Ladi Adebutu, the candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, as the 2023 election approached.
As of now, neither the governor nor the senator has publicly acknowledged their ongoing feud, and their spokespersons have not responded to requests for comments.
However the former governor popularly known as OGD, has personally visited the scene.
