Ogun State Government has reportedly carried out a wee-hours demolition of a N1 billion five-storey plaza in Ijebu-Ode, owned by Mrs Olufunke Daniel, wife of former Gov. Gbenga Daniel.
The demolition which began between 2am and 3am on Sunday, September 10, has been described as an act of vandalism allegedly carried out by some political thugs.
The third floor of the building houses the Ogun East Senatorial Office of the former governor.
Clips and pictures showing destruction on the structure were circulated across social media platforms in the state, generating outrage and tension among the residents amid unresolved political differences between Sen. Daniel and Ogun Gov. Dapo Abiodun.
It was gathered that those behind the act used ‘hand machines’ to carry out the destruction as against an excavator usually deployed in a demolition exercise.
Meanwhile, Daniel had immediately visited the scene on Sunday amid tight security.
Commenting on the incident, the Project Manager & Developer, Engr Olusegun Lawal, said it as a demolition and confirmed that the state government issued a three days notice of demolition.
He said there are no structural defects on the building and all relevant government approvals were obtained before putting up the structure.
“Not enough parking space, inadequate muster point and inadequate airspace” were the reasons adduced by the government.
“There are no single structural defects on the building and all relevant and necessary government approvals have been obtained.
“Reasons adduced by the Government are: 1. Not enough parking space (front of Building is Folagbade str.
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 are 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,” the developer said in a statement obtained by Persecondnews.
According to him, the N1billion worth plaza is due for commissioning by September ending.
Contacted for comment, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Abiodun, Lekan Adeniran, said the state government would soon issue a statement on the incident.
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