The Ogun State government has refuted allegations that it sealed properties belonging to former Governor and current Senator Gbenga Daniel, clarifying that only warning notices were issued to the lawmaker’s properties.
Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning Tunji Odunlami made this clarification during a press briefing on Monday, explaining that the notices posted on Daniel’s properties were stop-and-quit orders rather than actual sealing directives.
According to Odunlami, the government follows established protocols before sealing any property, which includes physical marking and placement of official stickers or cross-signs indicating the sealing action. He emphasized that no such formal sealing procedures had been implemented on the senator’s properties.
“What we are doing now is no exception. This exercise was done in Abeokuta and is now extended to Shagamu and Ijebu-Ode,” the commissioner stated, indicating that the enforcement action is part of a broader statewide initiative.
The notices served to Daniel’s properties are instructions for the property representatives to report to the appropriate government office for clarification and document verification. Odunlami advised the senator to either personally visit the relevant office or delegate a representative to submit required documentation for proper clearance.
The commissioner revealed that as of the press briefing, Senator Daniel had not responded to the notice or made any official representation to the government regarding the matter.
Odunlami explained that the enforcement exercise would extend to other areas of the state, including Ota and Ilaro, where Government Reserved Areas exist, as part of the government’s commitment to proper urban planning and development regulation.
“All building owners served with the notice simply need to visit the issuing office with their permits and documents for verification,” he explained, emphasizing the straightforward nature of the compliance process.
The commissioner stressed that the state government’s enforcement actions are guided by law and public interest considerations rather than the identity or status of property developers. He noted that the enforcement notices are regularly issued to support urban development goals and regulate land use across the state.
“The goal is not to victimise anyone who obeys the law,” Odunlami assured, adding that legitimate developers typically respond through proper channels to seek plan adjustments or obtain necessary ratifications.
Addressing concerns about the timing of enforcement actions, the commissioner clarified that the state’s physical planning laws apply universally to all developments, including those constructed before the law’s enactment.
He referenced Section 73 of the physical planning law, which provides that enforcement notices may be issued regardless of whether unauthorized development occurred before the law’s commencement, giving the government broad authority to regulate existing structures.
The commissioner emphasized that the government does not accept claims about the age or developmental stage of properties as exemptions from compliance requirements, noting that the law is explicit on enforcement procedures.
This clarification comes amid speculation about potential political motivations behind the enforcement action, given Daniel’s prominent political profile as a former governor and current federal legislator representing Ogun East Senatorial District.
