August 11, (THEWILL) — The Ogun State Government on Monday said its physical planning laws were not aimed at victimising former Governor Gbenga Daniel but at ensuring orderly urban development and regulating land use in the public interest.
Daniel had accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of political persecution following quit and demolition notices served on his properties, including his private residence, Asoludero Court, and the Conference Hotel Limited in Sagamu.
But Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tunji Odunlami, told journalists in Abeokuta that the ongoing enforcement in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode was a routine exercise to verify the permit status of all buildings, including houses, schools, hospitals, and commercial facilities.
He said property owners were served notices to approach the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority with relevant documents in line with existing building laws.
Odunlami said: “This is a daily, transparent activity of the agency, devoid of witch-hunting.
“It has been done in Abeokuta, is ongoing in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode, and will be extended to Ota and Ilaro.”
He added that Daniel had yet to respond to the notice or present any documents, stressing that genuine developers usually comply by justifying their projects or seeking plan adjustments.
Odunlami maintained that enforcement applies to all developments, regardless of ownership, and is backed by Section 73 of the State’s Physical Planning Law, which allows action on unauthorised projects even if they predate the law.
Seun Shotunde, THEWILL
