Demolition: Ogun govt stalls proceedings after OGD submitted evidence of building approval

Otunba Gbenga Daniel has secured a significant reprieve in his legal dispute with the Dapo Abiodun-led Ogun State Government after presenting evidence of valid building approvals that disrupted the state’s planned demolition of his properties.

The case, which played out in a tense Sagamu High Court, marked another twist in the government’s demolition campaign targeting Daniel’s Conference Hotels and Asoludero Court in Sagamu GRA.

In suit HCS/371/2025, Daniel’s legal team, led by A. M. Kotoye SAN, OT Are, and AO Adeniyi, squared off against the state’s representatives, RB Kadri, Director of Civil Litigation, along with AE Odukoya, Onawole, and Onadipe.

Despite the absence of some parties, tensions rose as the state sought to enforce provisions of the 2022 Urban and Regional Planning Law. The government filed a preliminary objection on 2 October and a counter affidavit on the morning of the hearing, drawing sharp rebuke from Daniel’s counsel.

Kadri attributed the delay to the death of Daniel’s former solicitor, Late Ogunba, whose office address was still on record. However, Kotoye dismissed the claim as “lame and unfounded,” insisting his team had provided updated contact details and that service had been properly effected at Ogunba’s still-active office.

“This is a blatant attempt to stall proceedings,” Kotoye told the court, accusing the Solicitor General’s team of unethical tactics designed to frustrate justice.

Momentum shifted when Daniel’s team presented a sworn affidavit dated 25 September containing evidence of valid building approvals for the disputed properties. The document appeared to weaken the state’s position and prompted the court to question the motivation behind its actions.

Kotoye further criticised the government for ignoring court-encouraged settlement efforts. “A competent team would have initiated talks upon seeing our evidence, not resorted to open court deception,” he said, referring to what he described as “distorted media reports” following the previous hearing.

The presiding judge, noting the state’s procedural lapses, refused its request for adjournment or to entertain the objection. Instead, she extended the existing ex parte order, preserving the status quo to prevent demolition pending further hearing.

With her leave approaching, the judge adjourned all related matters—HCS/371, 372, and 374—to 14 January 2026, a date suggested by the state and accepted by Daniel’s legal team.

For Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the ruling represents a notable victory against what his camp describes as a politically driven effort masked as urban enforcement.

Also read: Dapo Abiodun ranked among Nigeria’s worst governors in poll

“Government exists to serve the people,” Kotoye asserted, warning against using state institutions for personal or political vendettas.

Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.