By Ibidoja Ololade
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has refuted claims of political motivation behind the partial demolition of a five-storey DATKEM plaza building belonging to the wife of a former governor of the State, Senator Gbenga Daniel.
Governor Abiodun, who addressed the issue during an inspection of the reconstruction of the 8-kilometre Mowe/Ofada road in the Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of the State, asserted that the demolition was necessary due to the violations of the law.
“The owners of DATKEM, in their minds, must have felt they were above the law because they were actually recalcitrant. It’s mark 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 said.
He further emphasized the importance of adhering to State laws, regardless of social status and commended the officials of the Ministry Physical Planning for their unwavering stance despite significant pressure.