Court of Appeal dismisses Ogun Government’s appeal over Datkem Plaza demolition, reinforcing claims of political vendetta against the Daniel family
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has struck out an appeal filed by the Ogun State Government challenging the ruling over the controversial demolition of Datkem Plaza, a five-storey complex in Ijebu-Ode owned by Yeye Olufunke Daniel, wife of former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
Also read: After demolishing his wife’s shopping plaza, Ogun State govt goes after Otunba Gbenga Daniel again
Presided over by Hon. Justice Y.B. Nimpar, the appeal was dismissed for lack of competence, delivering a significant blow to Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, which has faced intense scrutiny over the destruction of the multi-billion-naira property.
The demolition, carried out at night on a weekend, sparked allegations of politically motivated sabotage.
Reports suggest that the structure, valued at approximately ₦5 billion, was completed and awaiting commissioning just two weeks before it was reduced to rubble. Unconfirmed sources claim that the initial plan was to use dynamite to simulate a structural collapse.
However, concerns about collateral damage allegedly led to the use of jackhammers and bulldozers instead. Eyewitnesses described the operation as “well-coordinated,” erasing what was set to be the tallest building in Ijebuland.
Following the demolition, the Ogun State Government justified its actions by citing regulatory violations.
However, the owners of Datkem Plaza dismissed these claims, providing evidence of compliance with all necessary approvals. In response, Yeye Olufunke Daniel took legal action, arguing that the demolition was illegal and politically driven.
The lower court ruled in her favour, leading the Ogun State Government to file an appeal, which has now been dismissed.
The demolition ignited a political firestorm, widely seen as an attack on the Daniel family amid the long-standing rivalry between Governor Abiodun and Senator Gbenga Daniel, who now represents Ogun East Senatorial District.
Observers view the Court of Appeal’s decision as a moral and legal victory for the Daniels, reinforcing claims that the act was driven by political vendetta rather than legal grounds.
With the appeal dismissed, legal experts suggest that the Ogun State Government could face further repercussions, including financial compensation for the destruction of the property.
Also read: Executive recklessness: Yeye Olufunke Daniel vows to seek redress over demolished property (Photo)
While the state government has yet to respond to the verdict, critics continue to demand accountability for the demolition of a structure that could have significantly impacted Ijebu-Ode’s economic landscape.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
